This afternoon, Vice President Biden spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The Vice President spoke about the United States’ ongoing support for Iraq in its fight against Al Qaeda in Iraq / the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (AQI/ISIL).  The Vice President commended the Government of Iraq’s commitment to integrate tribal forces fighting AQI/ISIL into Iraqi security forces, to provide compensation for those injured and killed protecting Iraqi citizens from AQ/ISIL, and to rebuild communities in Anbar damaged from the fighting.  The Vice President also emphasized, as he has with the leadership of the Kurdistan Regional Government, the importance of concluding a mutually acceptable path forward regarding oil exports from Iraq. Finally, the Vice President extends his congratulations to Iraq and the young players from its national team who won the Under-22 Asia Cup earlier today in Oman.