ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) on Thursday issued a final statement upon the conclusion of its mandate, vowing to continue UN-Iraqi partnership and hailing the dawn of a "new chapter" for Iraq characterized "by national leadership, stronger institutions, and effective partnerships."

UNAMI was established in 2003 under UN Security Council Resolution 1500, following a request from the Iraqi government at the time. The mission’s role was to advise the Iraqi government on political dialogue and reconciliation, as well as helping with elections and security sector reform.

In May 2024, the UN Security Council extended UNAMI’s mandate for a final 19-month period until December 31, 2025, after which UNAMI would cease all work and operations, upon the request of the Iraqi government.

"With the conclusion of UNAMI’s mandate, the United Nations’ engagement in Iraq continues under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator," the UN said in a statement on Thursday. "This transition marks a decisive shift toward long-term, sustainable development - driven by national leadership, stronger institutions, and effective partnerships."

"From supporting economic diversification, climate action and water management to social protection, governance, and durable solutions, the UN remains a trusted and committed partner to the Government of Iraq," the statement concluded, reiterating the mission's position that the expiry of its mandate does not mean an interruption in the international organization's activities in Iraq, rather a transition to a new phase.

In a Baghdad meeting in mid-December, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lauded the mission's work over the years, with the latter asserting that the UN will "always walk alongside the people of Iraq on the path toward peace, sustainable development and human rights."

"For those who lived through the troubled early years of the transition, today’s Iraq is unrecognizable and remarkable,” said Guterres. “A country at peace with increased security and a clear determination to win the battle of development."

UNAMI chief Mohammed al-Hassan told UN News in December that the mission has been "accomplished" and that he believes Iraq "is ready to move to another phase, solidifying its sovereignty and territorial integrity."