The trip comes as Iraqi Security Forces, with assistance of the U.S. military, are laying the groundwork to eventually retake the Iraqi city of Mosul from the terror group ISIS.
While the timing for that operation remains unclear, Defense Secretary Ash Carter hinted at a congressional hearing on Wednesday that preparations are well underway, saying the U.S. and Iraqis are focused on "collecting and positioning, before Ramadan commences, the forces for the envelopment of Mosul."
Biden's visit also comes at a politically sensitive time for the Abadi administration, which has faced protests and fierce opposition from his predecessor Nuri al-Maliki, as well as Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
Secretary of State John Kerry and Carter both visited Iraq earlier this month.
