(VOVworld) - US Vice President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Iraq on Thursday for the first time in almost five years since the US withdrew its military forces from Iraq in 2011.

Vice President Joe Biden arrived on a surprise visit to Baghdad on Thursday. (Photo: Josh Lederman/AP)

His office said the Vice President wanted to meet Iraqi leaders to discuss steps the international community can take to improve Iraq's economic stability and further regional cooperation.

Biden met Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi to discuss political and security issues.