Region | Iraq
US Vice President Biden in surprise Baghdad visit
US Vice President Joe Biden met US military commanders and troops during a surprise visit to Baghdad on Thursday.
- Agencies
- Published: 21:20 July 2, 2009
Baghdad: US Vice President Joe Biden met US military commanders and troops during a surprise visit to Baghdad on Thursday.
Biden said he was optimistic about Iraq's future but much work remained.
The three-day visit comes after US President Barack Obama appointed him to help coordinate Iraq policy ahead of a full withdrawal of US troops by 2012.
"This is a moment when we have to make sure that the Iraqis don't take their eye off the ultimate prize," Biden said.
White House officials said Biden would meet President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki as well as visit US commanders and troops.
Officials said Biden might meet up with his son, Beau Biden, who is in Iraq with the Delaware National Guard in a unit that was activated for deployment late last year.
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