NATO and Iraq to sign a legal agreement
On 26 July 2009, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Iraq, Mr. Abdul Qader Mohammad Jassim Al-Mafrji, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Iraq, and the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero, on behalf of NATO, will sign an agreement between the Government of the Republic of Iraq and NATO regarding the training of Iraqi Security Forces.
This agreement represents a milestone in the cooperation between the Republic of Iraq and NATO and demonstrates the Alliance’s strong commitment to work in partnership with the sovereign government of Iraq as it focuses on rebuilding and strengthening of governance structures.
The agreement will provide the legal basis for NATO to continue with its mission to assist the Government of the Republic of Iraq in developing further the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces.
No media opportuntities are envisaged, but the event will be covered by the NATO photographer and cameraman.
NATO video footage will be sent to EBU Genevaand be made available via EBU from approximately 17h30 GMT on Sunday, 26 July 2009. Photos of the signature event will be uploaded on the NATO website at around the same time.