Iraqi president meets new UNAMI head to discuss political and humanitarian issues

BAGHDAD— Iraq’s President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid met with the newly appointed Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Iraq and the head of UNAMI, Mohamed Al-Hassan, at Baghdad Palace on Wednesday. The two discussed Iraq’s political and economic situation, UN efforts in promoting peace and human rights, and the country’s priorities in addressing displaced persons and climate challenges.

In mid-July, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Al-Hassan, an Omani diplomat with more than 30 years of experience, as the new Special Representative for Iraq and Head of UNAMI, succeeding Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.

On Oct. 13, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met with Al-Hassan to discuss Iraq’s ongoing engagement with the UN as UNAMI’s mandate draws to a close.

UNAMI is set to end its operations on Dec. 31, 2025, with only liquidation activities continuing thereafter.

Full statement from presidency’s media office:

His Excellency President Dr. Abdullatif Jamal Rashid received the new Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Iraq and Head of the UNAMI mission, Mr. Mohamed Al Hassan, along with his deputy, Mr. Claudio Cordone, at the Baghdad Palace today, Wednesday.

At the start of the meeting, the Special Representative conveyed the greetings of UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the President, who in return extended his greetings and best wishes to the Secretary-General for success.

The President welcomed the new Head of UNAMI and congratulated him on his new post in Iraq, wishing him success in his duties. He affirmed that the Presidency will provide support to enable him to carry out his mission, and emphasized Iraq’s determination to strengthen relations and expand cooperation with the UN and its affiliated organizations.

The discussions also touched on the overall political and economic situation in Iraq and the role of the United Nations in promoting international peace and security, upholding human rights standards, and addressing the issues of displaced persons and refugees. Climate change and ways to tackle it were also addressed. The President highlighted that Iraq’s priorities focus on establishing security and stability in the country, as well as implementing the government’s program aimed at improving living conditions and public services for Iraqi citizens and promoting peaceful coexistence among all communities.

The President also discussed the recent developments in the region, expressing hope that the UN would play a greater role in stopping the aggression against the Palestinian and Lebanese people, providing essential aid to displaced persons, and working toward securing peace. He reiterated Iraq’s supportive stance on the Palestinian cause, including the right of Palestinians to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state, as well as solidarity with the Lebanese people in facing the aggression.

For his part, Mr. Mohamed Al Hassan expressed his happiness to work in Iraq as the representative of the Secretary-General, and his aspiration to build strong relations that will contribute to achieving the goals of the international organization in assisting Iraq, which is one of the founding members of the UN.

Mohamed Al Hassan also outlined the future plans of the UNAMI mission, affirming the UN’s readiness to support Iraq in various developmental, educational, and humanitarian fields, thereby strengthening relations and fostering constructive cooperation between Iraq and the international organization.