U.S. intelligence chief meets Iraqi PM

American National Intelligence Director John Negroponte, who made a surprise visit to Baghdad on Friday, met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, Maliki's office said in a statement.

"During the meeting, the latest political developments in Iraq were discussed. Negroponte renewed the support of the U.S. administration and President George W. Bush for the Iraqi government," the statement said.

The statement also said that the two also "discussed the need for the Iraqi armed forces to have enough numbers and equipment to take charge of the security portfolio".

The intelligence chief's trip came three days after U.S. National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley visited Iraq amid U.S.- Iraqi tensions.

The Iraqi premier was reported to have issued a series of critical statements about American policy in Iraq over the past week.

Source: Xinhua