WASHINGTON: The US and Iraqi governments will invite Iran and Syria to a "neighbours' meeting" on stabilising Iraq.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said today: "We hope these governments seize this opportunity to improve their relations with Iraq and to work for peace and stability in the region."

Rice made the remarks in a statement prepared for a Senate committee, excerpts of which were released in advance.

The move reflects a change of approach by the US, which has previously resisted including Iran and Syria in diplomatic talks on stabilising Iraq.