BAGHDAD, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani met on Sunday with the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack to discuss bilateral relations and the situation in the region.

The two sides exchanged views on preventing regional escalation and emphasized the importance of resorting to dialogue and diplomatic channels to resolve disputes, according to a statement by al-Sudani's media office.

Al-Sudani stressed the need "to prevent aggression and violations against the sovereignty of countries and peoples in the region."

Discussions also covered opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation.

For his part, Barrack highlighted the importance of Iraq's role in advancing solutions to regional challenges, reducing tensions, supporting dialogue, and combating terrorism, the statement said.

Tensions are running high between the United States and Iran as the U.S. deployed a huge military buildup near Iran. Iraq said last month that it rejects the use of its territory and airspace to launch attacks against any country.