NATO continues.. Blinken on the withdrawal agreement: We are arranging with Baghdad to maintain our partnership

NATO continues.. Blinken on the withdrawal agreement: We are arranging with Baghdad to maintain our partnership

2024-10-01 11:00

NATO continues.. Blinken on the withdrawal agreement - We are arranging with Baghdad to maintain our partnershipShafaq News/ US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken revealed on Monday new details regarding the agreement between Baghdad and Washington to end the international coalition’s missions in Iraq, including working on bilateral security arrangements that allow for the preservation of the “security partnership” between all.

“Ten years ago, the United States assembled a global coalition of 87 countries to counter ISIS, and together we have made significant progress,” Blinken said in a speech at the ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

The US Secretary of State stressed the need for the coalition to enhance security and stability, including in Iraq and Syria, and prevent extremists such as ISIS from exploiting the conflict in the region to their advantage.

“At today’s meeting, the United States and Iraq — along with our other coalition partners — will discuss our plans for the gradual transition of Operation Inherent Resolve, which will conclude in Iraq by September 2025. During this period, the United States will work with Baghdad on bilateral security arrangements that will allow us to maintain and build our security partnership and cooperation,” he added.

“Our Iraqi partners will take greater responsibility to ensure that ISIS cannot retake territory within the country’s borders, and we are deeply grateful to Iraq and the Iraqi Security Forces for all the sacrifices they have made in this effort, and for their steadfast leadership in the fight against ISIS,” Blinken continued.

As we move into this new phase of cooperation, the US Secretary of State expressed his hope to continue working with partners in the international coalition, including the NATO mission in Iraq, which intends to continue its security relationship with Baghdad.

In another matter, Blinken revealed the United States’ intention to contribute $168 million to the annual stabilization pledge campaign implemented by the international coalition in Iraq and Syria, so that this assistance will enable the implementation of critical mine clearance operations, the restoration of basic services such as water and electricity, investment in education, and the promotion of economic opportunities.

shafaq.com