MojNews- The U.S. secretary of state discussed the current government formation process in Iraq with the country&#۳۹;s prime minister-designate in a phone call.

Mike Pompeo called Iraq&#۳۹;s Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi in order to reaffirm the U.S.&#۳۹; enduring commitment to "a strong, sovereign, and prosperous" Iraq, department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said Sunday in a statement.

"Secretary Pompeo welcomed Prime Minister-designate Allawi’s promise to hold early elections to strengthen Iraq ’s democratic system," she said, adding: "He urged the new prime minister to resolve differences with Iraq&#۳۹;s Kurdish and Sunni political leaders to assure success in pursuing the vital tasks faced by his government."

Pompeo also stressed Iraq&#۳۹;s obligation to protect U.S. and coalition diplomats, troops and facilities during the call.