The minister declared that Poland will continue its engagement in the Coalition. As a NATO member, we will also continue to participate in a training and advisory mission in Iraq, which has recently received an expanded mandate by the decision of the Alliance’s defence ministers. The head of Polish diplomacy also mentioned the Iraqi government’s efforts to protect international forces and to fight terrorist groups.

The debate focused on the security situation, humanitarian and development needs in Iraq, as well as further objectives of the Coalition’s involvement. Discussed were also challenges related to an unstable situation in Syria and the growing activity of Daesh and other terrorist groups in the countries of the Sahel and East Africa.

A joint communiqué was adopted by the ministers at the end of the conference, reaffirming the Coalition’s determination to continue its actions to stabilise territories that were liberated from the terrorists two years ago and to eliminate Daesh.

The virtual meeting of high representatives of 28 countries, the EU, NATO, and Interpol was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Belgium Sophie Wilmès and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS was established in September 2014 at the US initiative. It is now composed of 78 states and five international organisations (including NATO and the EU). The Small Group brings together 28 Coalition states that are most involved militarily and non-militarily in the fight against this terrorist group. Poland joined the Small Group in April 2016 r. We participate in the Coalition’s work both in its military and non-military dimension, including in stabilisation operations.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Tymon Markowski / MFA