Donald Trump has Iraq's back, Baghdad leader claims

Iraq has the "strong and deep support" of the US under President-elect Donald Trump, Baghdad's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi was told by the Republican leader.

The two leaders exchanged a phone call, Abadi's office said, in which he congratulated the Trump on his White House victory.

"The two sides also discussed the victories achieved by Iraqi forces in their war against Daesh [IS], and the importance of unifying all efforts against the roots of terrorism and its ideology which feeds sectarian polarisation," a statement read.

"You are essential partners to us, and you will find strong and deep support," the media office quoted Trump as saying.

Abadi mentioned to Trump that Iraqi forces had liberated large swaths of territory from the IS, and the military operation to liberate Mosul, the second-largest city in the country, was ongoing.

Trump also invited the Iraqi PM to visit the US for a meeting "soon after the inauguration ceremonies next January".

Abadi also expressed Iraq's desire to expand and strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.

The US is currently leading a coalition of some 60 countries in northern Iraq, supporting Baghdad forces in the liberation of IS-held Mosul.

The operation to expel IS from its last stronghold in Iraq, now in its second month.