Norwegian FM, defense minister in Baghdad to boost ties, support fighting IS

Two Norwegian ministers arrived in Baghdad on Sunday to boost bilateral ties and show their support to Iraq in its fight against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.

"We have a trainer in two Iraqi bases capable of training Iraqi security forces and that is because we believe IS is a global threat, rather than merely an Iraqi or regional threat," said Norwegian Defense Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide at a joint press conference with her accompanying Foreign Minister Borge Brende and her Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

"We currently offer around a hundred trainers. We send our best soldiers from Norway, and according to reports received so far, training is progressing," Soreide said.

Brende said that in addition to the military commitment to Iraq in its fight against terrorism, Norway is equally committed to humanitarian aid towards Iraq.

During his meeting with the Norwegian delegation, Jaafari stressed "the need to develop cooperation by learning from Norwegian experiences, and welcoming Norwegian companies to invest in Iraq."

The Norwegian officials met with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Slim al-Jubouri earlier, who urged the Norwegian government to reopen its embassy in Baghdad and to enhance bilateral ties, particularly on the parliamentary level, according to a statement issued by Jubouri's office.

The Norwegian ministers also met with Iraqi President Fuad Masoum who confirmed that "Iraq is capable of overcoming its current difficulties, and of developing its political, democratic and federal systems."

The Norwegian delegation is scheduled to visit Norwegian trainers at a Baghdad military base, before heading to the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan to meet with Kurdish leaders.

Norway is part of the U.S.-led international coalition which supports Iraqi forces with airstrikes, training and ammunition, in order to repel the IS. Endit