NATO Allies have just agreed on a defence capacity building package for Iraq. It will help strengthen the country’s security and defence sector by providing support in areas where NATO is best-placed to add value. This decision, taken today by the North Atlantic Council, underscores NATO’s commitment to deepening our partnership with Iraq.

The programme has been developed upon Iraq’s request and in close consultation with the Iraqi authorities.

The package includes measures of support in seven priority areas: advice on security sector reform; countering improvised explosive devices, explosive ordnance disposal and de-mining; civil military planning; cyber defence; military medicine and medical assistance; military training; and civil emergency planning.

NATO and Iraqi experts will now work on the details of the training programmes which will be held in Turkey and Jordan.

NATO’s support for Iraq has been designed to complement efforts carried out by the Global Coalition against ISIL, the European Union, the United Nations and bilateral efforts by individual Allies.

The defence capacity programme for Iraq is part of the Alliance’s Defence Capacity Building Initiative, launched at the NATO Summit in Wales. Its aim is to enable the Alliance to assist its partners in building their defence and security.

NATO Secretary General Statement on Defence Capacity Building Package for Iraq.

Image: Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, July 28, 2015 (photo: NATO)