ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Aboudi and NATO Mission Iraq commander Ramon Armada have agreed to establish a dedicated office for the transatlantic alliance in Baghdad, according to Iraqi News Agency, signaling an expansion in ongoing non-combat cooperation.
Aboudi and Armada held a conference call during which “the two sides discussed avenues for de-escalation, emphasizing the need to reach solutions to recurring regional crises through dialogue and diplomatic channels,” state media said, citing a statement from the Iraqi security official’s office.
“They also explored ways NATO can continue to support the Iraqi armed forces through advisory services, training, and the exchange of information and expertise,” it added.
Established in October 2018 at the request of the Iraqi government, the mission provides non-combat advisory and capacity-building training designed to assist Iraq in developing transparent, sustainable, and effective defense institutions to prevent the resurgence of terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State (ISIS), and foster long-term national stability.
In addition to administering military training, NATO invests in integrating institutional reforms, counter-corruption frameworks, and human rights agendas into Iraqi defense structures.
The mission “remains committed to supporting Iraq in alignment with the priorities set by the Iraqi government,” Armada stated, in fulfillment of NATO’s wider goal of serving as an institutional bridge to 32 allied nations without the political baggage often attached to bilateral combat deployments.
Aboudi highlighted Baghdad’s partnership with NATO as an opportunity to modernize its national military and diversify its international partnerships while maintaining national sovereignty, commending the expansion to bolster cooperation in “cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, as well as building strategic partnerships with NATO member states.”
