Baghdad, Iraq- On Wednesday, Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, held a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and his accompanying delegation. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation between Iraq and NATO, particularly in areas of capacity building, advisory roles, and training support for the Iraqi Armed Forces.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s media office, the talks also addressed key regional developments, including the status of ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the ongoing situation in Syria.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Al-Sudani stressed the importance of continued engagement with NATO to strengthen its advisory mission in Iraq. He highlighted Iraq’s commitment to NATO’s role in supporting the country’s defense and military capabilities, particularly in training, planning, and the exchange of expertise. The Prime Minister also touched on Iraq’s ambitious defense industry program, which the government is backing, and expressed interest in collaborating with NATO in the field of military industries, especially defense equipment, to enhance national security and deter external threats.
Al-Sudani also highlighted Iraq’s ongoing political stability, economic growth, and recovery, noting that these factors position Iraq to play a leading role in the region. He reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to maintaining a balanced foreign policy while safeguarding its national interests and contributing to regional stability.
In response, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised Iraq’s progress and invited Prime Minister Al-Sudani to attend an upcoming NATO summit in Brussels, where he would have the opportunity to address the assembly on behalf of Iraq. Stoltenberg also commended the Iraqi government for its efforts in securing stability, growth, and security, emphasizing NATO’s commitment to further strengthening its partnership with Iraq, particularly in the defense sector.
