    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [October 28, 2006]
    [Pages 1945-1946]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Nuri al-
    Maliki of Iraq
    October 28, 2006

        We were pleased to continue our consultations today. Via secure
    video, we discussed a range of issues of great importance to our common
    mission in Iraq, including the development of Iraqi security forces,
    efforts to promote reconciliation among all Iraqis, and the
    International Compact for Iraq and the economic reforms associated with
    it. As leaders of two great countries, we are committed to the security
    and prosperity of a democratic Iraq and the global fight against
    terrorism which affects all our citizens.
        We have three common goals: accelerating the pace of training the
    Iraqi Security Force, Iraqi assumption of command and control over Iraqi
    forces, and transferring responsibility for security to the Government
    of Iraq. We have formed a high-level working group including the Iraqi
    National Security Advisor, Minister of
    Defense, Minister of
    Interior, General Casey, and Ambassador Khalilzad to
    make recommendations on how these goals can be best achieved. This
    working group will supplement existing mechanisms to better define our
    security partnership and enhance our coordination.
        We are committed to the partnership our two countries and two
    governments have

    [[Page 1946]]

    formed and will work in every way possible for a stable, democratic Iraq
    and for victory in the war on terror.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.