Baghdad: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi discussed security cooperation on Monday with German military commander Gunher Schneider, alongside preparations for the final withdrawal of the US-led coalition from Iraq. According to Anadolu Agency, a statement released by al-Zaidi's office detailed that the prime minister received Schneider, the commander of German forces deployed overseas, along with a delegation in Baghdad.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral security ties and implementing 'joint programs' aimed at improving the performance and efficiency of the Iraqi Armed Forces. Discussions also centered around the imminent withdrawal of US-led coalition forces, with al-Zaidi emphasizing the importance of transitioning to 'multidimensional relations' with coalition partners.
Al-Zaidi expressed gratitude for Germany's 'longstanding role' in supporting Iraq's fight against terrorism, particularly during confrontations with ISIS. He highlighted that earlier this month, he confirmed the coalition's mission would conclude on September 30, marking the deadline as 'final and irreversible.'
In September 2024, Baghdad and Washington agreed on a two-stage plan to conclude the coalition's mission after a decade-long presence. The initial phase, scheduled for last September, involved withdrawing coalition personnel, handing over bases, and transitioning to bilateral security partnerships. The second phase, extending to September this year, allows the coalition's mission in Syria to continue utilizing an airbase in Iraq's Erbil.
The US-led coalition, formed in 2014 to combat Daesh/ISIS after the group took control of large areas in Iraq and Syria, includes countries like Germany, France, and Spain. In December 2017, then-Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory over Daesh/ISIS after three years of intense combat. Despite this, the group still carries out sporadic attacks in Iraq's northern, western, and eastern provinces, while Iraqi forces continue security sweeps against remaining Daesh/ISIS cells.