Iraq’s Foreign Minister addresses the North Atlantic Council on strengthening NATO-Iraq cooperation
Today (11 March 2021), the Foreign Minister of Iraq Fuad Hussein briefed the North Atlantic Council virtually. The discussion focused on NATO-Iraq cooperation and on NATO’s advising and training mission in Iraq. NATO Ambassadors, as well as those of operational partners Australia, Finland and Sweden took part.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the long-standing political-military dialogue between NATO and Iraqi officials, including his regular engagements with Foreign Minister Hussein and Prime Minister al-Kadhimi. The Secretary General also reiterated that NATO is in Iraq at the request of the government of Iraq, to strengthen its security institutions and forces, so that they are able themselves to stabilise their country, fight terrorism and prevent the return of ISIS.
NATO Mission Iraq is a non-combat mission. It will continue to carry out its advising, training and capacity-building activities with full respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, with the full consent of the Iraqi government, and in close coordination with other international actors, including the Global Coalition to defeat ISIS/Daesh, the EU and the UN.
Allies congratulated the Iraqi people and government on the recent historic visit by His Holiness Pope Francis, which showcased the continued development and professionalism of the Iraqi security forces and institutions.