Al-Sudani meets Bruins Slot
Iraqi prime minister discusses ongoing NATO communication with Dutch foreign minister
BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa’ Al-Sudani held discussions on Tuesday with the Netherlands’ foreign minister, Hanke Bruins Slot, on maintaining communication between Iraq and the NATO mission, amid talks on ending the international coalition’s presence in the country.
A statement from Al-Sudani’s office said:
Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hanke Bruins Slot, and her accompanying delegation. They discussed enhancing cooperation across various levels and fields between the two friendly countries.
During the meeting, His Excellency affirmed Iraq’s keenness to enhance relations, particularly in the economic realm, and to draw from Dutch expertise in agriculture and water management. He expressed appreciation for the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ efforts to achieve a ceasefire and end aggression in Gaza, as well as its support to alleviate challenging humanitarian conditions faced by the Palestinian people there.
Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s commitment to continuing cooperation with the NATO Mission in Iraq, which will soon be under the presidency of the Netherlands. He stressed the importance of maintaining direct communication, particularly as discussions begin to conclude the tasks of the Global Coalition against Daesh. He highlighted ongoing coordination with the NATO Mission, especially in providing training and advice to Iraqi security forces. This collaboration is crucial, considering the significant improvement in the capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces and the defeat of ISIS remnants, which no longer pose a threat to Iraq.
His Excellency discussed the potential for bilateral cooperation in the port development sector, particularly with the ongoing progress in completing Al-Faw Grand Port and its integration with the strategic Development Road Project. The Prime Minister welcomed the participation of Dutch companies in these projects.
For her part, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hanke Bruins Slot, expressed her government’s anticipation of the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Amsterdam as an opportunity to bolster bilateral cooperation and partnership. She reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting ceasefire efforts in Gaza, preventing the escalation of conflict in the region, and facilitating humanitarian aid and relief efforts.
Ms. Hanke Bruins Slot also expressed support for continuing dialogue between Iraq and the Global Coalition against Daesh, with the aim of concluding its presence and mission, and transitioning to full bilateral relations with coalition member states.
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