Iraq’s top military official, Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah, met with Lieutenant General Lucas Schweizer, Commander of the NATO Mission in Iraq, to discuss ways to enhance military cooperation between the two sides, according to a statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.
The meeting focused on expanding Iraq’s partnership with NATO, particularly in training programs, strategic expertise, and developing the capabilities of the Iraqi army. Officials emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to strengthen Iraq’s military forces in the face of evolving security challenges.
NATO has been engaged in Iraq through its non-combat advisory and training mission, which supports Iraqi forces in building a self-sustaining military structure. The alliance has worked closely with Iraq to modernize its defense systems and provide technical expertise since the fall of ISIS in 2017.
While details of the latest discussions were not disclosed, both sides reportedly expressed a commitment to deepening training efforts and knowledge-sharing to ensure long-term stability in the region.
The Iraqi military has been working to increase its operational effectiveness amid ongoing security threats, including terrorism and border security concerns. Strengthening collaboration with NATO is seen as a key step in achieving these goals.
This latest engagement between Iraq and NATO signals a renewed effort to bolster Iraq’s defense capabilities, ensuring its military remains well-equipped to handle national security challenges.
