Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of Prime Minister al-Maliki to the White House

President Obama looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of Iraq to the White House on Wednesday, July 22. The United States and Iraq enjoy a close relationship and are partners in building a sovereign, stable and self-reliant Iraq through the responsible withdrawal of U.S. forces and the encouragement of new ties in trade, commerce, culture and education. The President looks forward to consulting with the Prime Minister on a broad agenda of issues of mutual concern.