The Iraqi Minister of Defense, Mr. Thabit Muhammad Al-Abbasi, received in his office Wednesday the South Korean Minister of Defense, Mr. Ahn Giubak, and his accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between the Ministries of Defense of Iraq and South Korea, particularly in the fields of armament, equipment, training, and the development of air defense systems.
Both sides affirmed the importance of expanding the horizons of joint cooperation to strengthen the capabilities of the Iraqi Armed Forces and exchange expertise in training and military technology, serving the mutual interests of the two friendly countries.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Iraqi Minister of Defense expressed his appreciation for South Korea’s support to Iraq in military and technical fields, affirming his aspiration for a long-term strategic partnership that contributes to enhancing security and stability.
For his part, the South Korean Minister of Defense expressed his delight to be in Baghdad, stressing his country’s keenness to develop Iraqi–Korean relations, especially in the field of defense, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
For his part, the Secretary General of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, Lieutenant General Shwan Mazar Ali Rawandouzi, also received the South Korean Minister of Defense, Mr. Ahn Giubak, and his accompanying delegation at Baghdad International Airport on Tuesday.
During the reception, the visiting Minister and his delegation were welcomed. The visit will include official talks aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in defense and military fields, as well as exchanging expertise and technologies to serve the interests of the two friendly countries.
This visit comes within the framework of developing relations between the Republic of Iraq and the Republic of Korea, which are witnessing remarkable progress toward building a strategic partnership in the security and technical fields, contributing to the advancement of the Iraqi Army’s capabilities, the statement added.
Iraq is set to receive advanced air defense systems from South Korea early next year, the Defense Ministry said, as part of an agreement signed between Baghdad and Seoul last year.
“The Ministry of Defense has reached advanced stages in the air defense armament file, as a contract has been signed for the Korean CAM-SAM system, which will enter service in Iraq early next year,” Major General Tahseen al-Khafaji, Head of Media at the Ministry, told state media on Monday.
In September 2024, Baghdad signed a deal to purchase air defense systems from Seoul as part of an ongoing effort to modernize the country’s military capabilities.
“The system is considered one of the modern and advanced systems, and possesses high capabilities and capacities that rival the best international systems, and will play a major role in strengthening air defense capabilities and providing support for Iraq’s airspace and skies,” Khafaji added.
On Monday, a joint military exercise was held between the Iraqi and French Air Forces “with the aim of monitoring the coordination of aviation and air targets during the exercise,” according to Khafaji.
He stressed that the combined efforts reflect Iraq’s commitment to improving its defensive readiness and strengthening international military cooperation.
Iraq has also bolstered efforts to produce military equipment domestically. In late March, the country’s Defense Industries Commission said it had saved around $700 million in two years by manufacturing military goods domestically. (Source & Photo © Iraq’s Ministry of Defense)
