Iraq's foreign minister to make historic visit to NZ

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has welcomed Dr al-Ja'afari's visit. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Iraq's foreign minister will make a historic visit to New Zealand this week.

Dr Ibrahim al-Ja'afari's visit will be a vital part of the Government's consultation process on whether it will send troops to Iraq to help combat the terrorist organisation Islamic State (Isis).

This week it was confirmed the Defence Force has permission to undertake "special contingency training" for a deployment that could be announced by the end of the month.

The Government has stressed that such training will not preempt any Cabinet decisions.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully welcomed Dr al-Ja'afari's visit.

"Global attention is currently on Iraq as the new government there focuses on rebuilding the country and combating the spread of ISIL," Mr McCully said.

"New Zealand is currently considering options for a non-combat, training role, in Iraq and this visit is an opportunity to gain the Iraqi Government's perspective on how New Zealand can best assist.

"We have already committed $14.5 million in humanitarian aid to help people displaced by the fighting in Iraq and Syria and stepped up diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the spread of extremist ideologies."

Mr McCully said any role for the New Zealand military in Iraq would be dependent on an invitation from the Iraqi Government.

Dr al-Ja'afari will meet with Mr Key, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee and Mr McCully during his one day visit to Auckland on Friday.