Al-Sudani invited to the Netherlands to further cooperation

BAGHDAD, January 15 — Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa’ Al-Sudani said on Monday that Iraq’s vision for the future of the international coalition includes joint technical work to conclude the force’s mission.

Al-Sudani’s statement came during a meeting with the Netherlands’ ambassador to Iraq, Hans Sandee, where the leaders discussed a review of bilateral relations.

A statement from Al-Sudani’s office said:

Prime Minister Mr. Mohammed Shiaa’ Al-Sudani received the Dutch Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Hans Sandee, and during the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them.

His Excellency, during the meeting, emphasized Iraq’s openness to all forms of partnership and joint work in various fields, particularly the activation of the Joint Council for Water between the two countries. He also highlighted the importance of the Netherlands assuming the leadership of the NATO mission in Iraq in mid-May.

Mr. Al-Sudani reiterated Iraq’s vision regarding the mission of the international coalition to combat ISIS in the upcoming stage, which should involve joint technical work to conclude this mission and transition to levels of bilateral security and military cooperation.

During the meeting, the Ambassador extended an official invitation to Mr. Al-Sudani from the Dutch Prime Minister, Mr. Mark Rutte, to visit the Netherlands to explore further partnership opportunities between the two countries. He conveyed his government’s desire to increase levels of cooperation, pointing to the positive relations between the Netherlands and Iraq. Additionally, he highlighted the interest of Dutch companies in participating in Iraqi development programs and infrastructure reconstruction.