NATO and Iraq Review Partnership and Future Security Cooperation

Iraq and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have held discussions on strengthening their partnership and expanding cooperation in the coming period, while also addressing regional security challenges, during a visit by a senior Iraqi delegation to the alliance's headquarters in Brussels.

According to a NATO statement, the Iraqi delegation, headed by National Security Adviser Qasim al-Aboudi, met with representatives of member states and senior alliance officials, including Assistant Secretary General for Operations Christian Bock.

The meetings covered the current framework of cooperation between Iraq and NATO, opportunities for developing their long-term partnership, and broader issues of shared interest, particularly regional security.

The alliance said its engagement with Iraq operates through political dialogue, initiated in August 2024, alongside practical and advisory assistance delivered by its mission in Iraq, established in 2018 at the request of Iraqi authorities.

NATO explained that the mission focuses on strengthening Iraq's security and military institutions, improving their operational capabilities, and supporting the development of armed forces that are more effective, transparent, inclusive, and sustainable.

These efforts are intended to reinforce national stability, support counterterrorism operations, and prevent ISIS from re-establishing its presence.

The statement emphasized that all NATO activities in Iraq are conducted with the Iraqi government's approval and at its request, in full respect of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Assistant Secretary General for Operations Christian Bock reaffirmed the alliance's commitment to working closely with Iraq, highlighting its role in supporting the development of stronger and more effective security institutions and armed forces.

The alliance further noted that, in response to the regional security situation, personnel from its Iraq mission were transferred from the Middle East to NATO's Joint Force Command headquarters in Naples, Italy, in March.