Minister of Foreign Affairs Affirms the Strength of the Partnership between the Republic of Iraq and the United Nations on the Occasion of the Conclusion of UNAMI’s Mandate

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, affirmed in a speech delivered on Saturday, 13 December 2025, on the occasion of the conclusion of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), that this pivotal moment carries profound significance.

H.E. the Minister explained that the partnership between the Republic of Iraq and the UN is neither incidental nor temporary; rather, it is a firm and enduring partnership that has extended over many decades toward broader horizons of constructive cooperation and joint action in the service of peace, development, and human rights.

H.E. noted that the departure of UNAMI today does not in any way signify the end of this deep partnership, but rather represents a natural transition to a new phase in which aspects of cooperation will be managed through the UN country team resident in Baghdad, in a manner consistent with Iraq’s priorities and strategic vision, and grounded in the spirit of mutual trust that has been established over years of joint work.

H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein emphasized that the Republic of Iraq today stands at a historic moment in every sense of the word, stressing that the partnership with UNAMI was not merely a UN mission in a country undergoing a difficult phase, but constituted a shared success story for both sides— built on great sacrifices, strong national will, and tangible efforts by the UN and its various teams.

H.E. praised the support provided by UNAMI across multiple fields, beginning with support for the electoral process, including the most recent parliamentary elections, and extending to contributions to reconstruction efforts and the strengthening of stability.

H.E. the Minister also underscored that the Republic of Iraq will not forget the human sacrifices made by the Mission, foremost among them the late Sergio de Mello, the first head of UNAMI, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty in Iraq in 2003, along with other victims who sacrificed their lives in the service of peace and humanity. In this context, H.E. expressed the deep sympathy of the Government of the Republic of Iraq with the family of the late de Mello and the families of all the victims.

H.E. concluded his remarks by affirming that Iraq, as it opens a new chapter of cooperation with the UN, does so with greater confidence, deeper determination, and an aspiration toward a more prosperous future.