ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani on Monday received Maj. Gen. Christophe Hintzy, the incoming commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)’s Mission in Iraq, reaffirming Baghdad’s commitment to its partnership with the alliance and pledging continued support for its advisory role in Iraq.
During the meeting, the Iraqi premier underscored “Iraq’s commitment to maintaining its strong relationship with NATO,” read a statement from Sudani’s office. He further noted the “ongoing preparations for the second round of dialogue [with the alliance] in Baghdad,” following an inaugural session held in Brussels last year.
Iraq and NATO in August held their first High-Level Political Dialogue in Brussels, where discussions focused on strengthening Iraq’s security capabilities, border security, counter-terrorism, drug trafficking prevention among other things. Baghdad then noted that NATO’s mission is strictly advisory and non-combat, while both sides expressed a commitment to ongoing collaboration.
Sudani on Monday “directed that all necessary support and facilitation be provided to the NATO Mission to ensure the success of its advisory role and the development of an effective partnership based on joint planning and coordination.”
The Iraqi premier further expressed his appreciation to the NATO mission’s outgoing commander Lt. Gen. Lucas Schreurs for his efforts.
For his part, Schreurs congratulated Sudani on Iraq’s successful hosting of the 34th Arab League Summit, which addressed key regional issues including the escalation in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan, Yemen, and Libya, and developments in Syria. He also commended Iraq’s progress in infrastructure, economic development, and governance.
Established in October 2018 at Baghdad’s request, the NATO Mission Iraq is a non-combat advisory mission focused on capacity-building across Iraq’s defense and security institutions, to empower Iraq to develop more sustainable, transparent, and effective security forces capable of countering terrorism, particularly the threat of the Islamic State (ISIS). It comprises personnel from all NATO member states, invitee Sweden, and partner Australia.
