Iraqi President Fuad Masum called for building a strong Iraqi army to defend all Iraqis without exception and to protect its democratic system.

During a meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq Affairs Bert Macgork, the president called on the US-led international coalition to train and arm Iraqi army to be able to face Daesh militants.

He urged more practical steps on the road of achieving national reconciliation.

The US official expressed his country's support of Iraq, saying the international coalition will stand by Iraq till the anti-terrorism war is over.