John McCain and Iraq's foreign minister met Sunday in Arlington, Va., on ways to improve security in Iraq and a future status of forces agreement, a treaty the U.S. maintains with several nations to determine U.S. military force presence abroad.

McCain and Hoshyar Zebari said they are sure they can overcome the number of objections that have been raised by Iraqi officials.

"I am confident that over time that we can work out that kind of agreement as we have with other countries in the past," McCain said. "It is very important that we not let any of this success slip away and this relationship and partnership that has led to the strategy. That has led to the success in the past I am confident will continue."

Asked whether he would promise indefinite protection to the Iraqi people, McCain said the United States has made progress in Iraq and that the decision to send additional troops has worked.

"I'm very pleased at the success of the surge. The surge is succeeding. There are still enormous challenges. Al Qaeda is on the run they are not defeated but having said that there is no doubt the surge has succeeded. And we will be able over time to withdraw and come home with honor and victory not in defeat," he said.

McCain also criticized Democratic rival Barack Obama, saying Obama was wrong to say the surge would fail. However, Zebari said he also has plans to meet with Obama on this trip and the Iraqi government has no preference as to who wins the U.S. election.

“It’s in our interest, in fact, to brief both candidates on the reality of the situation, the way we see it from our perspective, from people who’ve been at the thick of this conflict, so yes, indeed, we will have that opportunity,” Zebari said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.