At each brief meeting, the US vice president greeted the Iraqi officials warmly, with traditional kisses on each cheek, and giving each a crystal bowl engraved with his signature, according to a reporter travelling with him.

In exchange, he received a golden statue of a palm tree.

Biden Tuesday night told reporters he had 'a personal relationship' with Iraqi leaders, and that he had 'won a measure of trust' from them.

Following his meeting with Biden, al-Samarrai, the speaker of the parliament, said that Iraq remained interested in 'building international support for the state, the democratic process, and in addressing all outstanding issues'.