Oval Office Chat: Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jabir Al-Sabah

On February 9, President Trump spoke with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jabir Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait. The President reaffirmed the strong defense partnership between the United States and Kuwait and expressed appreciation to Kuwait for hosting U.S. military personnel. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and other terrorist groups. They exchanged views on mechanisms to address Iran’s malign regional activities. More broadly, both leaders agreed on the importance of strengthening bilateral economic and education cooperation, building on the progress achieved at the 2016 U.S.‑Kuwait Strategic Dialogue. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact on these and related issues. 

Prime Minister Haider-al-Abadi of Iraq 

February 9 - President Trump also spoke with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi of Iraq to underscore the support of the United States for the Iraqi people in our shared fight against the terrorist group the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). President Trump emphasized the buildup of the United States military.  President Trump also congratulated Iraqi forces on their recent progress in Mosul, thanked Prime Minister al-Abadi for his leadership, and expressed condolences for the many Iraqi lives lost in the counter-ISIS campaign. The two leaders discussed the strong partnership between the Iraqi and United States militaries, as well as the great sacrifice by both countries.  Both leaders spoke to the threat Iran presents across the entire region. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the long-term partnership between the United States and Iraq grounded in the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. 

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary