Forming High Military Committee

Iraq, U.S. reach agreement on discussing coalition forces’ role, says foreign ministry

2024-01-25 | 18:05

BAGHDAD, January 25– The ministry of foreign affairs announced that the Iraqi Government successful completion of negotiations with the United States, over the formation of the High Military Committee (HMC).

According to the statement, the task of the committee is to “assess ISIS threats, enhance Iraqi security capabilities, and establish a timeline for the presence and gradual reduction of International Coalition advisors in Iraq.” The press release also provided that the agreement is to “transition the relationship with Coalition countries to a comprehensive bilateral cooperation encompassing political, economic, cultural, security, and military aspects”.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press release

In fulfillment of its national obligations and in line with the growing capacity and efficiency of the Iraqi forces, the Iraqi government, in agreement with the government of the United States of America, announces the success of the ongoing negotiation rounds between the two sides that began in August 2023 and its conclusion, leading to the necessity of launching the Supreme Military Committee (HMC) at the level of working groups to assess the threat and danger of ISIS.

Circumstantial and operational requirements and strengthening the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces, in order to formulate a specific and clear timetable that specifies the duration of the presence of international coalition advisors in Iraq, initiate the gradual and deliberate reduction of its advisors on Iraqi soil, end the military mission of the coalition against ISIS, and move to comprehensive bilateral political and economic relations with the coalition countries. Cultural, security and military aspects are consistent with the vision of the Iraqi government, and we particularly mention the strategic framework agreement that regulates comprehensive relations between Iraq and the United States of America and reflects the common desire for cooperation between the two sides in a way that achieves the interests of the two countries, and contributes to strengthening Iraq’s regional and international role in a manner befitting its historical status and building the best relations with society. International service to serve the interests and aspirations of the Iraqi people.

The two sides express their support for the work of the committee, facilitating its tasks, and refraining from anything that obstructs or delays its work. Maintaining the course of the committee’s work and its success in achieving its mission is a national interest, in addition to contributing to preserving the stability of Iraq and the region. The government calls for the work of this committee not to be halted, faltered, or interrupted, and to work to avoid tampering with the stability of Iraq to achieve special goals.

Iraq renews its commitment to the safety of the international coalition’s advisors during the negotiation period in all parts of the country, to maintaining stability and preventing escalation. The government also confirms its welcome of this agreement, and considers it part of its loyalty to fulfilling the government program and the pledges it committed to before the people.