Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Prime Minister Abadi of Iraq

Vice President Joe Biden spoke this morning with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. They discussed ongoing military operations across Iraq, including in Anbar and Salah Ad Din provinces. The Vice President praised Prime Minister Abadi for his leadership in directing operations to clear ISIL from Tikrit. Both leaders expressed their strong support for continued cooperation between the Iraqi government and the international coalition. The Vice President commended the patriotism of the Iraqi Security Forces and those Iraqis who have volunteered to join the fight against ISIL. He reiterated the United States' support for Iraq's security under the Strategic Framework Agreement and full respect for Iraq's sovereignty and independence.