NATO
March 22, 2023

The Supreme Allied Commander Europe and the Chair of the NATO Military Committee visit NATO Mission Iraq

On 20-21 March 2023, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Christopher G. Cavoli, visited NATO Mission Iraq (NMI). During their visit they reviewed the mission’s activities and met with a range of Iraqi officials and representatives of the international community.

…Admiral Bauer said: “…The vast knowledge and skills of the international experts, both civilian and military, from NATO Allies and partners, truly allows for a wide range of advice and support to be provided to the Iraqi security institutions and forces.”

Lieutenant General Iannucci, Commander of NMI, said: “…The long-term objectives, which we agreed upon with the Minister of Defence set the framework of our partnership and have already led to substantial results in several domains, including through the establishment of Cyber Security and NATO Codification Bureau. We stand ready to provide further support. We appreciated the advice and guidance provided by the Chair of NATO’s Military Committee and SACEUR, and we look forward to making further improvements under their direction….”

During their visit, Admiral Bauer and General Cavoli met with several Iraqi officials, including the Minister of Defence, Thabet Muhammad Al-Abbasi, the Chief of Defence, Staff General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah, and the National Security Advisor, Qassim Mohammad al-Araji. They exchanged views on the level of cooperation developed between NATO and Iraq, the contributions provided by the NATO-led mission and the security situation in the region. They also met with the Commander of NATO Mission Iraq, Lieutenant General Giovanni M. Iannucci, the Commander of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, Major General Matthew W. McFarlane, officials from the US Embassy, and representatives from the international community.

…NATO advises relevant Iraqi defence and security officials in the Ministry of Defence, Office of the National Security Advisor, and Prime Minister’s National Operations Centre. The mission also advises Iraq’s professional military education institutions in the greater Baghdad area….These include security education, logistics, cyber defence, and good governance.