Iraq
NATO forces training Iraqi forces on modern chemical incident management in September 2025. Photo: NATO Mission Iraq.
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - NATO reaffirmed its long-term commitment to help Iraq build a stronger army, especially in areas of cyber security and crisis management, a representative of the military alliance told state media on Friday.
“The Iraqi Ministry of Defense has agreed with the NATO mission in Iraq on a set of long-term goals to build stronger and more reliable forces, contributing to enhancing the country's security and stability,” the unnamed NATO representative said.
NATO’s mission in Iraq was established at Baghdad’s request and has been operating since 2018, building Iraq’s military and defense capacities.
“Reforming institutions takes longer than training individuals, but it achieves long-term results,” the NATO representative said, adding that it will continue to offer consultations and advice to achieve mutual goals in the long-run such as “cyber security and crises administration.”
“NATO Mission Iraq is the main vehicle for implementing this initiative, and includes priority areas such as security sector reform… cyber defense… as well as civil emergency preparedness,” they added.
The mission is not limited to military and defense support. It also “provides support in areas beyond the military aspect, such as the rule of law, governance and anti-corruption, the protection of civilians, peace and security,” they said, adding “In August 2023, the mission's mandate was expanded to include advising the Federal Police leadership.”
“The future of the mission requires continued commitment and high flexibility to adapt to field developments and Iraq's changing needs, while maintaining ongoing coordination with the Iraqi authorities,” the NATO representative said.
Meeting the new NATO mission commander Major General Christophe Hintzy in May, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani “directed that all necessary support and facilitation be provided to the NATO Mission to ensure the success of its advisory role and the development of an effective partnership based on joint planning and coordination.”
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