Baghdad vows support for NATO mission as new general takes over
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, reiterated Baghdad's commitment to its relationship with the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI) on Monday, promising to continue supporting the NMI's advising role in Iraq.
Al-Sudani's remarks took place during his meeting with the newly appointed commander of the NMI, Major General Christophe Hintzy, and previous commander, Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
The Iraqi prime minister also discussed the current preparations for the second round of discussions with the alliance in Baghdad, which follows the first session conducted in Brussels last year.
In late October, Al-Sudani and Schreurs discussed strategies to enhance security and military cooperation between Iraq and the NMI in light of the gradual withdrawal of the international coalition forces from the country.
During their discussion in Baghdad, Al-Sudani was briefed about the outcome of the high-level meeting between Iraq and the alliance held in the Belgian capital last August.
Al-Sudani ordered the establishment of a joint committee between the two sides, with Iraq's National Security Advisor leading the Iraqi side, to discuss all possible frameworks for cooperation.
The Iraqi Prime Minister highlighted Iraq's commitment to switch to bilateral cooperation with NATO member countries that joined the international coalition against ISIS.
NMI is a non-combat advisory and capacity-building mission that assists Iraq in developing more sustainable, transparent, inclusive, and effective armed forces and security institutions.
The mission was formed in October 2018 following a request from the Iraqi government.
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