BAGHDAD, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- A prosperous and democratic Iraq is the "single best thing" the United States could want in the region, Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday in Baghdad.
"The single best thing that can happen to the United States, literally, is for you to be a free, prosperous democracy in the middle of this part of the world," Biden told Iraqi President Jalal Talabani during a joint media appearance at the presidential palace. "It's the single most significant strategic thing that can happen to the United States in this region".
Talabani said his country was grateful to the United States, calling America "one of our best friends. ... We count on you".
"And when you leave our country I know our relations will remain," Talabani said.
Biden's visit to Iraq followed unannounced trips to Afghanistan and Pakistan. He also visited Iraqi Finance Minister Rafia al-Issawi and parliamentary Speaker Osama Al-Nujaifi, as well as Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Biden said he was visiting Iraq to "to help the Iraqis celebrate the progress they made. They formed a government. And that's a good thing".
But, he said, "They have a long way to go". UPI
