U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived in Baghdad Thursday to for a three-day visit, the U.S. Department of Defense said in a press release. 

According to the press release Gates is scheduled to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and President Jalal Talabani, and also with Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdish regional government in northern Iraq during his visit.

A senior Defense Department official told reporters traveling with the secretary that in his meetings with Iraqi officials, Gates plans to discuss the importance of completing the formation of Iraq’s government, especially the security-related ministries, as the United States draws down its forces, the press release said.  

He’ll also discuss the need for progress in implementing the reconciliation agreements that were part of the initial government formation process in the fall, the official said.

Gates also will reaffirm the U.S. commitment to a long-term partnership with Iraq, the official added, and will emphasize the mutual benefits of a relationship that continues beyond the scheduled departure of U.S. forces by the year’s end.

Gates traveled to Baghdad from Saudi Arabia, where he met with King Abdullah earlier Thursday, said the press release. 

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