During his first weeks since taking office on 17 August, EUAM Iraq’s new Head of Mission Mr Anders Wiberg has carried out official meetings with Iraqi leaders, high-level officials and counterparts, as well as with international stakeholders, in both Baghdad and Erbil.
At many of these meetings, he has been accompanied by and introduced to local leaders by the Head of EU Delegation in Iraq, Ambassador Ville Varjola.
‘I am truly glad to have experienced such warm welcome by the EU Ambassador and having benefitted from so many cordial introductions to Iraqi leaders and senior officials over the past few weeks. This is a true manifestation of EU level collaboration through the so-called integrated approach to be able to work together in offering assistance to Iraq for local, regional and international peace and stability,’ Anders Wiberg noted.
Baghdad
Meetings with Iraqi high officials included the National Security Adviser, Mr. Qassim Al-Araji, the President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr. Barham Salih, and the Prime Minister, Mr. Mustafa al-Kadhimi.
The meetings gave the possibility for EUAM Iraq to underline its commitment in
continuing the support to the government of Iraq in the field of security sector reform as well as for the leaders to express their appreciation for EUAM Iraq's continued work and strategic advice.
Meeting with the National Security Adviser Qassim al-Araji
EU Ambassador Ville Varjola and EUAM Iraq Head of Mission Anders Wiberg met with president Barham Salih
As part of EUAM Iraq mandate, it is also essential for the Mission to strengthen its cooperation with international partners in the country. A meeting with NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) Commander Lieutenant General Giovanni Iannucci provided the opportunity to discuss the common understanding on the ultimate goals of the security sector reform in Iraq as well as touch upon the shared common objectives towards its successful implementation. 'We can truly benefit from the coordinated approach and dialogue', stated EUAM Iraq's Head of Mission Anders Wiberg during the meeting.
Head of Mission and EUAM Iraq delegation meeting the Nato Mission Iraq commander in the Union III base in Baghdad
HoM Anders Wiberg and the European Union in Iraq Chargé d'affaires Agne Gleveckaite were also pleased to meet the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the head of another key counterpart, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI). Discussions focused on common areas of interest and how collaboration can be further strengthened between the EU and UN families.
Meeting the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert at the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq
In addition, keeping close relations with EU Member States is also top of the agenda for EUAM Iraq. Thus, Head of Mission Anders Wiberg has been delighted to meet Member States ambassadors to discuss collaboration and explain the Mission’s work on security sector reform in Iraq.
Erbil, Kurdistan Region Iraq (KRI)
During an official visit to the Kurdistan Region Iraq on 6-7 September, Head of Mission Anders Wiberg and EU Ambasador Ville Varjola were honoured to be hosted by the President of Kurdish Democratic Party and former President of Kurdish Region Iraq Masoud Barzani, to discuss cooperation between the European Union and KRI as well as regional stability.
Official meeting hosted by the President of Kurdish Democratic Party and former President of Kurdish Region Iraq Masoud Barzani
In addition, the Head of Mission as well as EU Ambassador Ville Varjola were kindly received by the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani to discuss, inter alia, the topics of cooperation, human rights as well as the EUAM Iraq and EU presence in Erbil.
Official meeting with the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani
A meeting with the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government Masrour Barzani presented the opportunity to discuss regional developments, economic and institutional reform as well as relations with the EU.
Official meeting with the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government Masrour Barzani
Anders Wiberg and the EU Ambassador had also the pleasure of meeting Dr. Rewaz Faiaq, President of the Kurdistan Parliament of Iraq, as well as Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, to jointly discuss human rights, civil liberties and institutional reform.
Meeting Dr. Rewaz Faiaq, President of the Kurdistan Parliament of Iraq
EU Ambassador Ville Varjola and EUAM Iraq delegation were kindly hosted by Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government
Mr Anders Wiberg was also kindly received and welcomed in his new role by Dr. Khanzad Ahmad, Secretary-General of the High Council for Women and Development, in collaboration with whom EUAM Iraq had facilitated a workshop on dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace this spring. Discussions included female-friendly institutions, institution building and potential further collaboration.
Head of Mission Anders Wiberg is received by Dr. Khanzad Ahmad, Secretary-General of the High Council for Women and Development of the Kurdistan Regional Government - Iraq