Iraq and NATO Review Security Partnership and Future Brussels Talks
At a Glance
- Iraq and NATO reviewed their ongoing partnership.
- Al-Aboudi rejected dragging Iraq into regional conflicts.
- NATO proposed high-level Brussels talks this October.
The Iraqi National Security Advisor, Qasim al-Aboudi, stated that there are ongoing attempts to draw Iraq into taking part in hostilities “that do not serve the country's interests,” emphasizing that the administration remains committed to cementing stability and fostering sustainable growth.
Key Statements & Focus Area
- National Security Advisor Condemned pressures drawing Iraq into hostilities “that do not serve the country's interests.”
- Stressed priorities of establishing stability and creating “sustainable development to advance the nation's reality.”
- Highlighted backing for Prime Minister al-Zaidi to deepen NATO training ties.
These remarks were made during a telephone conversation between al-Aboudi and Christian Bach, NATO's Assistant Secretary General for Operations, on Thursday.
During the exchange, both officials reviewed the continuous partnership and collaborative efforts between NATO and the Iraqi government across several mutually significant sectors.
Al-Aboudi emphasized that friendly nations are eager to invest in Iraq following the government's recent economic openness initiatives.
He noted that the international community strongly backs Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi's administration, which seeks to deepen ties with NATO to enhance the training and capabilities of Iraqi security forces.
He further pointed out that there are those attempting to drag Iraq into engaging in conflicts “while the Iraqi government seeks to firmly establish stability and create sustainable development to advance the nation's reality.”
In turn, Bach expressed his desire for the mission's return to Iraq and noted his pride in the cooperation and partnership between the two sides.
He proposed hosting the upcoming round of high-level diplomatic talks in Brussels this October to explore avenues for advancing cooperation and strengthening the partnership with Iraq.
FYI
Iraq is caught in the middle of a major regional escalation after a joint U.S.-Saudi airstrike killed at least 20 members of armed groups and militias in Iraq on July 29.
The operation was retaliation for drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory against U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.
This came amid direct U.S.-Iran warfare, including an Iranian missile barrage aimed at U.S. forces in Jordan and heavy U.S. retaliatory strikes inside Iran.
Iraq's Ministerial Council for National Security, chaired by al-Zaidi, condemned the U.S.-Saudi airstrikes as a violation of sovereignty, noting they occurred during active diplomatic engagement regarding regional security concerns.
The council adopted a comprehensive plan to secure borders and initiated diplomatic action through the UN.
The government asserted exclusive responsibility for security actions and declared its commitment to preventing Iraqi territory from being used for attacks on neighboring nations.
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