Guterres is expected to “express his gratitude to the Mission’s staff members and to the Government and people of Iraq for hosting UNAMI for 22 years,” according to a statement from his office as reported by local Iraqi media.
While in Baghdad, the secretary-general will hold bilateral meetings with Iraqi leaders, including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the statement added.
UNAMI was established in 2003 at the request of Iraqi authorities. Although it does not directly implement humanitarian or development programs, the mission has played a key role in coordinating the work of more than 20 UN agencies operating in the country. Its chief also serves as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq.
Guterres began a tour of the Middle East on Wednesday, with his first stop in Saudi Arabia.
Following his trip to Baghdad, he will return to Saudi Arabia to participate in the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, scheduled for December 14-15 in Riyadh.
The secretary-general will conclude his regional tour with a visit to Oman, where he is expected to discuss regional issues, including the situation in Yemen.
MNA