Iraqi PM, Dutch Defense Minister discuss relations with international coalition
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, the Dutch Minister of Defense, Kajsa Ollongren, and her accompanying delegation. Photo: PMO
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, informed the Dutch Minister of Defense, Kajsa Ollongren, on Monday of his government’s decision to rearrange the relationship with the international coalition.
Al-Sudani’s remarks took place during his meeting with Ollongren and her accompanying delegation in Baghdad, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The Iraqi Prime Minister affirmed that the government is committed to protecting diplomatic missions and advisors working in the country.
The two sides discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, ways to enhance cooperation in different areas, and the topics that will be discussed during Al-Sudani’s upcoming visit to the Netherlands.
Al-Sudani valued the efforts of the Netherlands in assisting Iraq in its war against terrorism within NATO and stressed his rejection of any attack on Iraqi territory or violating its sovereignty.
The Dutch Defense Minister indicated that her government agrees with Baghdad’s vision that victory over ISIS necessitates changing the mission of the international coalition and moving it to equal bilateral relations after the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces have been developed.
The Dutch Minister of Defense clarified that her country shares Baghdad’s belief that defeating ISIS would require reorienting the international coalition toward equitable bilateral relations after the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces have developed.
Ollongren also confirmed that the Netherlands will take over the command of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) mission in Iraq in the middle of 2024 and that it will work with the Iraqi government to achieve its new vision.