Baghdad:Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has affirmed Iraq’s interest in expanding its participation in peacekeeping operations.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the Minister received Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Baghdad on Sunday. During the meeting, they discussed strengthening cooperation between Iraq and the United Nations, as well as enhancing Iraq’s contribution to international peacekeeping operations.

The Minister emphasized Iraq’s commitment to transitioning to a new phase of partnership with the United Nations, following the conclusion of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), in a manner that bolsters Iraq’s role in supporting international peace and security. He expressed Iraq’s interest in deepening its involvement in peacekeeping operations, leveraging Iraqi military and security expertise in counter-terrorism, mine clearance, and the management of explosive remnants of war.

He proposed the development of a joint roadmap and the deployment of a UN technical team to Baghdad to assess capabilities and identify specific areas for cooperation, training, and capacity building. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of increasing the participation of Iraqi professionals in UN missions and programs. He also suggested exploring the development of an Iraqi training institution that could serve as a regional hub for the exchange of expertise and training in fields related to peacekeeping operations.