A year after Baghdad announced its victory over ISIS, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas pledged his country would offer more support in the reconstruction of Iraq. Following his arrival in Baghdad aboard a Transall C-160 transport aircraft, Maas said Monday that Germany should continue to support civilians in Iraq, a country that he described as “a friend and reliable partner.” He said: “The terrorism of ISIS has been broken. Now, we should prevent the group from secretly re-strengthening its spell, under any circumstances, and avoid its threats in Iraq, the region and also in Europe.” Maas is expected to hold talks in Baghdad with the new Iraqi cabinet, which assumed power at the end of last October. In October, the German government extended its non-combat military involvement in Iraq by one year. The country’s military mandate should also allow German forces to train Kurdish Peshmerga forces and specialists from the Iraqi army. This move came to secure the military successes in the fight against ISIS and prevent the terrorist organization from regaining strength. Berlin believes that continued suppression of the terrorist organization by military means remains necessary. German soldiers currently participate in anti-ISIS missions through aircraft stationed in the Azraq air base in Jordan, from where they are taking part in reconnaissance and refueling missions. German forces are also training the Iraqi army at Camp Taji near Baghdad. Germany had offered 1.5 million euros in aid to Iraq during the past four years, the second largest assistance to support the reconstruction of the country following the US. Maas’ visit to Baghdad was not announced for security reasons. Although the visit comes to achieve stability in Iraq, the minister will also discuss economic affairs, particularly given the German Siemens company is competing with the US’ General Electric over a deal worth billion of dollars to expand electricity production in Iraq. The minister is also set to travel to Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.