BAGHDAD, April 17 (UPI) -- U.S. House Speaker John Boehner paid a surprise visit Baghdad to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, officials said.
During the Saturday meeting, Maliki stressed the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, culture and defense, CNN reported
Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman and other members of Congress traveled with Boehner, R-Ohio, CNN said.
Maliki said Iraqi security forces and the army were working diligently to assume responsibility for the security of Iraq when U.S. troops leave the country.
While the U.S. combat mission in Iraq ended last year, about 50,000 American troops are expected to remain in the country through the end of 2011 to help train and advise Iraqi troops.
Boehner said the United States would continue to help Iraq secure its fledgling government, which was formed in December, nine months after an inconclusive national election.
