President: End of UNAMI Mandate Marks a New Phase of Partnership Between Iraq and the United Nations

Baghdad / NINA/- President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid affirmed on Saturday that the official announcement marking the end of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) represents a new phase of joint cooperation between Iraq and the United Nations, reaffirming Iraq’s commitment to maintaining security and stability and consolidating the foundations and principles of democracy.

In a statement, the Presidency said that President Rashid received UN Secretary-General António Guterres at Al-Salam Palace in Baghdad, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, Mohamed Al Hassan.

At the outset of the meeting, President Rashid commended Guterres for his prominent role in supporting Iraq throughout various stages and for his continued efforts to strengthen cooperation between Iraq and the United Nations.

The President praised the United Nations’ sustained support for Iraq over the past years, stressing that the conclusion of UNAMI’s mandate marks a transition to a new stage of partnership aligned with the requirements of the coming phase and Iraq’s national priorities, while contributing to efforts toward sustainable development. He also emphasized the need to continue cooperation across various fields.

President Rashid called for a more effective role by the United Nations in addressing the water file, particularly in monitoring the implementation of commitments by countries to agreements and understandings that ensure fair water shares for all parties.

He reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to preserving security and stability and to strengthening democratic principles, noting that the success of the recent elections represents an important step in this direction.

For his part, Secretary-General António Guterres expressed appreciation for Iraq’s role at the regional and international levels, reaffirmed the UN’s continued support for Iraq, and praised the country’s progress in enhancing security and stability, advancing development, and the successful parliamentary elections, which he described as a boost to democracy in Iraq./ End