The National Security Advisory stated in a statement: “Iraq and NATO held, today, Tuesday, the first session of the high-level partnership dialogue at the alliance’s headquarters in the Belgian capital, Brussels.”
A high-ranking official Iraqi delegation headed by National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji participated in the dialogue, according to the statement, while the side representing NATO was headed by Assistant Secretary-General for Operations and Special Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism Tom Govas, and the Secretary-General’s Representative for Southern Neighborhood Affairs Javier Colomina.
The dialogue, which came at the invitation of NATO, discussed ways to enhance the partnership between Iraq and the alliance, including completing the capacity building of Iraqi security forces and other issues related to border security, combating drugs and terrorism, and the file of the Syrian Al-Hawl camp.
During the dialogue, Al-Araji reiterated the Iraqi government’s emphasis that NATO’s mission in Iraq is an
advisory mission and not a combat mission, stressing: “The long-term partnership with NATO is to achieve Iraq’s interests, fight terrorism, and develop and rehabilitate the capabilities of the Iraqi forces,” stressing the importance of continuing the dialogue and partnership with NATO, to achieve Iraq’s interests, security and stability.
In a speech on the sidelines of the dialogue, the National Security Advisor referred to Iraq’s position rejecting the killing and starvation taking place in the Gaza Strip, and that there is no security or safety except with the existence of an independent Palestinian state, stressing the importance of adopting the principle of dialogue and diplomatic channels as a way to resolve international crises and conflicts.
For their part, NATO representatives praised Iraq’s pivotal role and its importance in enhancing the security and stability of the region, expressing the alliance’s readiness to increase cooperation and enhance the defense capacity building package agreed upon be
tween the two sides.
Al-Araji also extended an official invitation to NATO representatives to hold the second session of the High-Level Partnership Dialogue in the capital, Baghdad, next year.
Source: National Iraqi News Agency