NATO Secretary General Advances Partnership with Iraq During Official Visit
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Iraq on February 4-5, 2025, to discuss the NATO Mission Iraq and security cooperation with Iraqi leaders. He acknowledged the significant contributions of NMI since 2018 in enhancing Iraqi security forces and institutions. The partnership aims to ensure Iraq’s long-term stability and security while respecting its sovereignty.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Iraq on February 4-5, 2025, accompanied by Supreme Allied Commander Europe, U.S. Army General Christopher G. Cavoli. During his visit, he engaged with President Dr. Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, and senior Iraqi officials to discuss various topics, including the NATO Mission Iraq (NMI), the NATO-Iraq partnership, and the regional security landscape. Rutte also met the NMI Commander Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs and NATO personnel in Baghdad.
In his remarks, Secretary General Rutte noted, “Since 2018, through its advising and capacity-building efforts, NATO Mission Iraq has contributed to make Iraqi security forces, institutions and structures more effective, inclusive and sustainable for the long term.” He commended the excellent cooperation between Iraqi partners and NMI, particularly in areas like security education, logistics, cyber defense, and governance. Rutte asserted, “Together we have achieved a lot through our NATO-Iraq partnership.”
The NATO Mission Iraq was launched in July 2018 by Allied leaders and commenced operations in Baghdad in October of the same year, following a formal request from the Iraqi government. The mission, currently led by Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs from the Netherlands, is focused on non-combat advisory and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing Iraq’s security capabilities. This includes advising defense and security officials in key Iraqi ministries and educational institutions to foster sustainable security forces capable of combating terrorism and preventing the resurgence of ISIS/Daesh.
The Iraqi authorities have outlined several primary objectives for collaboration with NMI, emphasizing the importance of enhancing security education, logistics, cyber defense, and promoting good governance. The partnership aims to support Iraq’s efforts in establishing long-term security and stability for its citizens while respecting the nation’s sovereignty.
In conclusion, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s recent visit to Iraq highlighted the strong collaboration between NATO and Iraqi authorities aimed at enhancing Iraq’s security capabilities. The NATO Mission Iraq continues to play a crucial role in building effective security institutions. Moving forward, the partnership will evolve to meet Iraq’s objectives and strengthen stability in the region.
Original Source: www.nato.int
