Maliki preps for investment conference

BAGHDAD, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Baghdad will develop a list of its contracting needs in preparation for a business and investment conference in Washington, the Iraqi prime minister said.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki welcomed U.S. Vice President Joe Biden to Baghdad this week to discuss the strategic arrangement between the two countries as well as investment opportunities.

Washington and Baghdad in 2008 signed a strategic framework to provide the legal ground for the continued U.S. engagement in Iraq through 2011. The framework is scheduled for a national referendum in January.

Biden spoke of his pleasure to welcome Iraqi officials at an Iraqi Business and Investment Conference scheduled in Washington in October, noting it was part of the U.S. effort to help Iraq with its national independence.

Maliki, for his part, said he would call on his ministers to develop a list regarding the needs for contracts and investments in his country.

"And we ask also from the various relevant ministries in Iraq to put forth such lists to define other needs in contracting and opportunities," he said.

On national security issues, Biden underlined the U.S. mission in Iraq was based on a long-term commitment to supporting a self-reliant Iraq.

"Our goal is to work in partnership with Iraq to help the Iraqi people build a country that's sovereign and stable and self-reliant -- and they're well on their way," he said.