World

Maliki in Washington for talks

09:14 am on 13 December 2011

Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki of Iraq is in Washington for talks with President Barack Obama on the next phase of the relationship between their countries after all US troops have left.

Mr Al-Maliki said he is confident his government can deal with the threat from al-Qaeda and others when the US completes its troop withdrawl at the end of the month.

Mr Obama confirmed no bases or troops would remain in the country next year.

Both Mr Obama and Mr Maliki expressed their expectation that the countries would continue to have a broad relationship and an "equal partnership".