Latest news with #ChristopheHintzy
Iraqi News
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
NATO to help Iraq strengthen armed forces and national security
Baghdad – A French major general took command of NATO's mission in Iraq on Thursday, assuming responsibility for efforts to support the country's fight against jihadists and strengthen its armed forces. Major General Christophe Hintzy replaced Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs of the Netherlands during a ceremony at a military base inside Baghdad's fortified Green Zone. 'France and Iraq have a long-standing partnership across all sectors,' Hintzy told AFP. Hintzy, who served as France's senior representative to US Central Command (CENTCOM) from 2022 to 2024, said his new NATO role 'complements the strategic partnership' between the two countries. He said the NATO mission in Iraq focuses on 'assistance, advice and capacity building' to help Iraqi forces combat 'terrorism' and strengthen national security. All 32 NATO members contribute to the mission, alongside partner countries Austria and Australia. The force includes several hundred military and civilian personnel. France also contributes troops to the US-led international coalition against the Islamic State group. IS was defeated in Iraq in 2017, but some of its members remain active. Baghdad has been seeking to wind down the coalition's mission, pushing instead for bilateral military partnerships. Iraqi officials say their forces are now capable of handling the remaining threat. The Iraqi army was 'fully capable of destroying the last cells of Daesh' anywhere in the country, Hintzy said, using the Arabic acronym for IS.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
French general takes command of NATO mission in Iraq
BAGHDAD: A French major general took command of NATO's mission in Iraq on Thursday, assuming responsibility for efforts to support the country's fight against jihadists and strengthen its armed forces. Major General Christophe Hintzy replaced Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs of the Netherlands during a ceremony at a military base inside Baghdad's fortified Green Zone. 'France and Iraq have a long-standing partnership across all sectors,' Hintzy told AFP. Hintzy, who served as France's senior representative to US Central Command (CENTCOM) from 2022 to 2024, said his new NATO role 'complements the strategic partnership' between the two countries. He said the NATO mission in Iraq focuses on 'assistance, advice and capacity building' to help Iraqi forces combat 'terrorism' and strengthen national security. All 32 NATO members contribute to the mission, alongside partner countries Austria and Australia. The force includes several hundred military and civilian personnel. France also contributes troops to the US-led international coalition against the Islamic State group. IS was defeated in Iraq in 2017, but some of its members remain active. Baghdad has been seeking to wind down the coalition's mission, pushing instead for bilateral military partnerships. Iraqi officials say their forces are now capable of handling the remaining threat. The Iraqi army was 'fully capable of destroying the last cells of Daesh' anywhere in the country, Hintzy said, using the Arabic acronym for IS.
Shafaq News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Sudani: Iraq to strengthen NATO coordination, host next dialogue
Shafaq News/ On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met in Baghdad with the new Commander of the NATO Mission in Iraq, Christophe Hintzy, pledging stronger cooperation with the alliance. According to a statement from the PM's Office, the meeting marked the departure of Lt. Gen. Lucas Schreurs, whom al-Sudani thanked for his leadership and contributions to NATO's advisory efforts in Iraq. Al-Sudani emphasized the need to strengthen joint coordination, referencing progress made during last year's High-Level Dialogue in Brussels. He announced that Iraq will host the next round of discussions in Baghdad and instructed government institutions to fully support NATO's mission, aiming to bolster its 'advisory role' and institutional partnership. Schreurs, in turn, praised Baghdad for successfully hosting the Arab League Summit, highlighting advancements in infrastructure and economic development that contribute to regional stability. He further reiterated NATO's commitment to supporting Iraq through training, technical assistance, and strategic guidance.
Iraqi News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Al-Sudani meets with the New Commander of NATO Mission in Iraq
Baghdad-INA Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Monday, with the new Commander of the NATO Mission in Iraq, Major General Christophe Hintzy, in the presence of the outgoing Commander, Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs. The Prime Minister's media office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA):'The Prime Minister welcomed Major General Hintzy and expressed his appreciation for Lieutenant General Schreurs' efforts during his tenure as Commander of the NATO Mission in Iraq,he reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to maintaining its strong relationship with NATO, as established during the High-Level Dialogue held in Brussels last year, and noted the ongoing preparations for the second round of the dialogue to be hosted in Baghdad.' Prime Minister Al-Sudani 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.' For his part, Lieutenant General Schreurs congratulated the Prime Minister on Iraq's successful hosting of the 34th Arab Summit and praised the country's ongoing efforts in construction, infrastructure development, and economic advancement that contribute to regional stability. He also expressed gratitude for Iraq's continued support to the NATO Mission, affirming NATO's commitment to sustained coordination and cooperation with Iraqi military and security institutions through expertise sharing, advisory services, and capacity-building.
