Brussels: Europe and the Arabs 
Dutch Lieutenant General Lukas Schroers assumed command of the NATO mission in Iraq, and the ceremony took place at a change of command ceremony in Baghdad. He succeeds Lieutenant General Jose Antonio Aguero Martinez from Spain, who has been in his position since May 2023. According to a statement issued by NATO headquarters in Brussels, which added that during the ceremony that took place last weekend, Lieutenant Schruers said: “It is an honor and a privilege for the Netherlands and for me personally to assume command.” NATO's mission in Iraq. “The mission slogan is ‘Building Safety and Security Together’ and this is something we will continue to do, by enabling and encouraging our advisors to continue to provide advice and assistance to meet the needs of our Iraqi interlocutors.
The outgoing commander, Lieutenant General Aguero Martinez, said NATO advisers were at the heart of the mission: “They have the specific knowledge and experience required for their mission. They are an integral part of Iraqi institutions and interact regularly with their counterparts. They know what they need and the support that NATO can provide.” .
Established in Baghdad in October 2018, the NATO Mission in Iraq is a non-combat advisory and capacity-building mission. It helps Iraq build more sustainable, transparent, inclusive and effective security institutions and forces. This helps build stability in their country, fight terrorism and prevent the return of ISIS. The NATO mission in Iraq is carrying out its work with the approval of the Iraqi government, with full respect for Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 
The NATO mission in Iraq is tangible evidence of NATO's readiness to provide a comprehensive approach to our common security.