Iraq discusses military cooperation agreement with Spain

Iraq and Spain have been holding talks about a possible military cooperation agreement, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani said on Thursday after a meeting with Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles.

He said he discussed such a deal with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez when the latter visited Baghdad in December.

Al-Sudani said that Spain plays an important role in NATO’s mission in Iraq, but reiterated his government’s intention to conclude the activities of international coalition forces in the country when the counterterrorism capabilities of local security forces are sufficiently developed to tackle threats, particularly those posed by the remnants of Daesh.

Al-Sudani also commended Spain for its stance on the conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza and its support for efforts to prevent the genocide of Palestinians.

Robles said her country remains committed to cooperation with Iraq, respect for its decisions regarding the international coalition forces deployed in the country, and continued support for the Iraqi Defense Ministry.

Currently, 367 Spanish soldiers are deployed in Iraq as part of NATO forces there and the global coalition against Daesh, the Kuwait News Agency reported.