Iraq, Spain increase efforts to promote military cooperation
Lieutenant General Jose Antonio Martinez assuming command of NATO Mission Iraq, taking over from Lieutenant General Giovanni Ianucci. Photo: Spanish Defense Ministry
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, confirmed on Thursday that efforts are being made to conclude a bilateral military memorandum of understanding between Iraq and Spain.
Al-Sudani’s remarks took place during a meeting with the Spanish Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, and her accompanying delegation in Baghdad, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The meeting addressed Iraqi-Spanish relations and cooperation in areas related to security and defense.
The Iraqi Prime Minister valued Spain’s role in the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI), emphasizing that the government is determined to end the mission of the international coalition in Iraq after the Iraqi forces increased their capabilities in combating terrorism.
Al-Sudani elaborated that a bilateral military memorandum of understanding between Iraq and Spain is part of the comprehensive partnership agreement that he discussed with the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, during his recent visit to Baghdad.
Robles appreciated that Iraq supports the Spanish mission taking part in the NMI activities, demonstrating Spain’s dedication to the collaboration with Iraq and its recognition of the decisions made by the Iraqi government over the international coalition’s operations.
The Spanish Defense Minister noted that efforts will continue with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense to complete the bilateral memorandum of understanding with Iraq, which will include cooperation in military industries.