Norwegian forces to stay in Iraq

Prime Minister Erna Solberg meets with Iraqi President Salih

Norway Today

Prime Minister Erna Solberg arrives in Iraq on Oct. 21 to visit Norwegian soldiers stationed there. Also pictured is commander of Norwegian forces, Lieutenant Colonel Einar Aarbogh.

The Norwegian military forces deployed in Iraq will continue their work in the country throughout 2020.

In connection with Prime Minister Erna Solberg’s visit to Iraq on Oct. 21, it was announced that the Norwegian military force deployed in Iraq will continue its work in the country throughout 2020.

Iraqi President Barham Salih met with Solberg at Salam Palace in Baghdad. The Norwegian prime minister was expected to meet with Iraq’s president, prime minister, and foreign minister to discuss regional security, bilateral relations, and oil investments.

“Norway will extend its military contribution to training security forces into next year,” said Solberg, who visited the Norwegian soldiers in Operation Inherent Resolve.

Norway’s contribution to Iraq is about 70 people, located in the Anbar region west of the capital Baghdad. Norway also has about 10 people in NATO’s Iraq operation (NATO Mission Iraq, NMI) and retains a small logistics element in Jordan to support operations in Iraq, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release.

This article was originally published on Norway Today.

This article originally appeared in the November 1, 2019, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.