PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL MEETING WITH IRAQI PRIME MINISTER HAIDER AL-ABADI

Introduction

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today met with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to discuss Canada’s military contribution and collaboration within the international coalition against the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The two leaders also discussed the security issues facing the region and explored ways to further strengthen bilateral relations.

ISIS presents a direct threat to Canadian citizens at home and abroad, as well as to regional and global security, including in Iraq. Iraqi forces, with the assistance of Canadian and allied forces participating in the international coalition against ISIS, are making important progress on disrupting and degrading the terrorist group.

ISIS’ barbaric actions in Iraq and Syria have resulted in the brutal deaths of thousands of children, women and men as well as the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. It continues to target members of ethnic and religious communities, and has callously destroyed places of worship and irreplaceable archaeological sites.

Quick Facts

• Canada is a leading member in the international coalition against ISIS. Canada’s current military contribution against ISIS, known as Operation IMPACT, was recently extended to March 30, 2016. It includes: up to 69 Canadian Special Operations Forces personnel to advise and assist Iraqi forces in northern Iraq; a key aerial enabler force package consisting of approximately 280 aircrew and other personnel, one CC-150 Polaris aerial refueling aircraft, up to two CP-140 Aurora aerial surveillance aircraft, as required; a strike force package consisting of approximately 320 aircrew and other personnel, and up to six CF-188 Hornet fighter aircraft, participating in coalition air strikes against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria. Canada has provided approximately $10 million in non-lethal equipment to Iraqi forces and transported over one million pounds of military equipment and ammunition donated by allies for Iraqi forces.
• As of April 25, 2015, Canadian air assets have conducted 829 sorties over Iraq:
o CF-188 Hornet fighters conducted 540 sorties.
o CC-150T Polaris aerial refueller conducted 140 sorties, delivering some 8,236,000 pounds of fuel to coalition aircraft.
o CP-140 Aurora aircraft conducted 149 reconnaissance missions.
• Up to 69 members of the Canadian Special Operations Forces are working with our allies in an advisory and assistance role by providing strategic and tactical advice to Iraqi forces.
• The Iraqi-Canadian relationship has expanded considerably in recent years. Canada opened a new diplomatic mission in Baghdad in April 2013, followed by the opening of a trade representation office and a visa application centre in Erbil in 2014.

Quote

“Prime Minister al-Abadi and I had productive discussions today on our common efforts to degrade ISIS and to address the humanitarian and development needs Iraq is facing. Canada will not stand idly by while ISIS threatens Canadians and commits barbaric acts of violence and injustice in Iraq against innocent civilians. We will continue to help Iraq fight ISIS as part of the international coalition against this terrorist group. We will also enhance life-saving humanitarian support to alleviate suffering caused by ISIS.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper