Anadolu Agency - Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has affirmed his country�s commitment to pursuing �balanced� regional policies, including the maintenance of good relations with neighboring Iran.

Abdul-Mahdi made the remarks in a statement released by his office on Wednesday after a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who arrived in Baghdad on Tuesday evening for an hours-long visit.

Describing the U.S. as an �important strategic partner for Iraq�, Abdul-Mahdi went on to assert that his country hoped to �maintain a policy of building bridges� with its friends and neighbors, including Iran�.

Baghdad, he said, hopes to build relations with regional and international capitals �based entirely on Iraq�s best interest�.

He added: �Iraq has returned to its basic role in the region, providing a venue for dialogue -- not conflict.�

Pompeo, for his part, commended Iraq�s �efforts to promote regional security and attract foreign investment and expertise�, according to the statement issued by Abdul-Mahdi�s office.

Pompeo also hailed what he described as Baghdad�s �special relationship� with Washington.

While in the Iraqi capital, Washington�s top diplomat also met with Iraqi President Barham Salih and Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali al-Hakim, along with a number of other top officials.