U.S. State Department reveals details of extraordinary anti-ISIS coalition meeting in Rome and affirms continued support for Iraq

The U.S. State Department on Saturday revealed details of an "extraordinary" meeting of the international coalition against ISIS held in Rome, which addressed continued support for Iraq after the end of the Operation Inherent Resolve mission.

The department said in a statement that the Rome meeting took place at the level of political directors and senior diplomatic officials, with the United States participating and co-chairing the meeting.

The coalition said in the statement that it congratulated Iraq and Syria on the success of Operation Inherent Resolve in degrading ISIS, and stressed that the end of the operation's mandate in Iraq represents "a genuine victory for the coalition's collective efforts," and for the Iraqi government's determination to continue its responsibility to ensure the group cannot rebuild its capabilities.

The statement added that achieving sustainable security in both countries will depend on strengthening sovereign, inclusive state institutions capable of representing and protecting all communities, and allowing them to participate equally in shaping their countries' future.

Participants reaffirmed the coalition's role as a tool to strengthen stability in Iraq and Syria, stressing that international support should focus on bolstering the countries' capacities to target ISIS and prevent the grievances and divisions the group historically exploited.

Coalition members expressed their readiness to work closely with the Syrian and Iraqi governments to achieve these goals, and made pledges totaling more than $75 million to support counterterrorism needs in Syria, increase detention capacity, sustain health and sanitation services, and support displaced and detained populations in both Iraq and Syria.

According to the statement, Iraq reiterated its commitment to continue playing a leading role in defeating ISIS.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Iraqi Prime Minister, Ali Falih al-Zaydi, last Wednesday announced the official end of the international coalition's mission in the country, expressing his gratitude to coalition countries for their support of the security forces in confronting terrorism.

U.S. President Donald Trump also announced the departure of the last U.S. forces from Iraq on September 30, saying the time had come for Americans to return home; he praised Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi, calling him "great" and saying he had supported him from the start.