Iraq: NATO's mission is advisory, not combat

INA - BAGHDAD

National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Araji confirmed on Tuesday, that NATO's mission in Iraq is advisory, not combat.

"Iraq and NATO held the first session of the high-level partnership dialogue at the alliance's headquarters in the Belgian capital, Brussels, where a high-ranking official Iraqi delegation headed by National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Araji participated in the dialogue. The side representing NATO was headed by Assistant Secretary-General for Operations and Special Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism Tom Goffus, and the Secretary-General's Representative for Southern Neighborhood Affairs Javier Colomina," said the media office of the National Security Adviser in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency- INA.

The dialogue, which came at the invitation of NATO, "addressed ways to enhance the partnership between Iraq and the alliance, including completing the capacity building of Iraqi security forces and other topics related to border security, combating drugs and terrorism, in addition to the file of the Syrian Al-Hawl camp," included in the statement.

Al-Araji reiterated "the Iraqi government's affirmation that NATO's mission in Iraq is an advisory mission, not a combat mission. The long-term partnership with NATO is to achieve Iraq's interests, and fight terrorism, in addition to developing and rehabilitating the capabilities of the Iraqi forces," stressing "the importance of continuing dialogue and partnership with NATO, to achieve Iraq's interests, security and stability."

In a speech on the sidelines of the ongoing dialogue between Iraq and NATO, Al-Araji 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," highlighting "the importance of adopting the principle of dialogue and diplomatic channels as a way to resolve international crises and conflicts."

He extended an official invitation to NATO representatives to hold the second session of the High-Level Partnership Dialogue in the capital, Baghdad, next year.

In turn, 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 between the two sides."