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

Mike Pompeo called Iraq's Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi in order to reaffirm the U.S.' 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's Kurdish and Sunni political leaders to assure success in pursuing the vital tasks faced by his government."

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