Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani has stressed Iraq’s commitment to the partnership with NATO in countering terrorism.
Sudani held talks on Monday with visiting Commander of NATO forces.The Iraqi PM expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI) that support Baghdad in its fight against terrorism by providing training to the Iraqi security forces, according to a statement issued by Sudani’s media office.
Sudani stressed Iraq’s commitment to the partnership with NATO and “its keenness to sustain joint work,” the statement elaborated.
The Iraqi Prime Minister highlighted the importance of Iraq’s security as it is reflected in the security of the region and the world, the statement clarified.
“The Iraqi security forces reached an advanced stage in their ability to combat terrorism,” he added.
Sudani’s reiteration of the partnership with NATO in the fight against ISIS coincides with a renewed debate in Iraqi political circles, especially those close to Iran, who reject the foreign troop’s presence in the country.
Sudani and Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein are preparing to visit Washington separately to discuss two main issues; the dollar crisis and the “strategic framework” agreement between Baghdad and the US.
The dollar crisis against the Iraqi dinar has recently aggravated following the sanctions imposed by the US Federal Reserve on 16 Iraqi banks that are smuggling currency to Iran.
Also, Sudani’s previous statement on the need for foreign forces in Iraq sparked outrage among the armed factions.
His remark was made during his meeting last week with Deputy Assistant to the US President and White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk.
Although ISIS is no longer a major threat to Iraq, yet it continues to attack certain regions.
The United Nations Investigative Team for Accountability of ISIS (UNITAD) revealed in a report that the terrorist group used chemical weapons in Iraq.
“Evidence suggests that ISIS manufactured and produced chemical rockets and mortars, chemical ammunition for rocket-propelled grenades, chemical warheads and improvised explosive devices,” the report said.
