Building on their long-standing partnership, NATO and Iraq have launched a political dialogue process. Earlier today, a delegation of high-level Iraqi officials led by the National Security Advisor, Qasim al-Araji, visited Alliance Headquarters for discussions with senior NATO officials.
"Since 2018, at the request of the Iraqi authorities, our non-combat advisory and capacity building mission, NATO Mission Iraq, has advised Iraqi security institutions helping them to shore up their nation's security, fight terrorism and prevent the return of Daesh; we work hand-in-hand every day to enable Iraq to build more sustainable, transparent, inclusive and effective armed forces and security institutions that can restore long-term stability to its people, and we undertake these efforts with full respect for Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Tom Goffus, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations.
"Today, we held important meetings with the North Atlantic Council, as well as with the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations and the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood," Iraq's National Security Advisor, Qasim al-Araji, pointed out. "We reaffirmed to NATO the true, long term partnership between Iraq and NATO to assist in achieving security and stability for Iraq, through the provision of advice and capacity building to the Iraqi Security Forces. NATO Mission Iraq is a non-combat advisory mission and Iraq has agreed with NATO to continue our positive dialogue; our partnership is not against any one; rather it is for the sake of a safe and stable Iraq," he added.
"Today we further build on this successful practical cooperation by launching a political dialogue; both NATO and Iraq have an interest in a stable and secure Middle East, and so it is only natural that we discuss how we can work on this together," said Javier Colomina, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy and Special Representative of the NATO Secretary General for the southern neighbourhood.
NATO's Special Representative for the southern neighbourhood will serve as NATO's focal point for the region. He will be responsible for coordinating and enhancing the visibility of NATO's efforts in the south and will strengthen engagement with partners.
At the Washington Summit, Allies agreed on an action plan that will increase NATO's engagement in the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel regions. The appointment of the Special Representative is part of this plan.
During their visit, the Iraqi officials met with NATO Permanent Representatives and members of NATO's International Staff. They exchanged views on the NATO-Iraq partnership, the prospects for long-term cooperation, as well as on topics of mutual interest, including regional security.
