Biden, Maliki discuss regional security challenges

Vice President Joe Biden hosted Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his delegation for breakfast on Wednesday at the Naval Observatory home of Biden, where they "had a friendly, constructive exchange," Biden's Office said in a statement. "They spoke about the security challenges facing Iraq and the entire region, " the statement said. Biden reiterated the U.S. commitment to equip Iraqis to fight al-Qaeda, and Maliki "made clear that he views the United States as Iraq's security partner of choice," the statement said. The two discussed the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to Iraq's security challenges, to include political outreach to local leaders as well as targeted security efforts, it said. "They also discussed regional issues and agreed to work to continue the progress Iraq has made in strengthening its relations with Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey and other states in the region," it said.