The threat of terrorism is real. After all, the terrorist organisation known as “Islamic State” (IS) has not been defeated.

IS continues to pose an acute threat – an acute threat to the regional security architecture. However, also to our own security here in Germany. Because Islamic State is still able to stage attacks. Not just in the Middle East but around the world. And because people threatened by terrorism in our neighbourhood tend to make their way to our country.

This is something we experienced in the last couple of days. We all saw the news at the weekend: People fleeing for their lives. At Bondi Beach in Sydney. A place famous for conviviality, enjoyment and high spirits. Until last Sunday. Until the shots were fired. Until the perpetrators presumably at the behest of IS transformed Hanukkah – the Jewish festival of lights and hope – into an act of antisemitic hatred. This terrible attack left me and I am sure all members of this chamber deeply shocked. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, the injured and the Jewish community – in Australia and here in Germany.

This attack shows that we have to remain vigilant and we have to remain resilient.

Following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, IS will now use gaps in security all across the region to strengthen its network once more. This poses a threat not just to the growing stability in Syria but also to our successes thus far in Iraq. The members of the Global Coalition against Daesh, which Syria fortunately joined in November, all agree that it must not be allowed to come to that.

That is why the Federal Government intends to extend both components of Germany’s contribution to the mandate to counter IS by a year. Firstly the NATO mission in Iraq focusing on advising the Iraqi armed forces and security forces. And secondly the military operation Inherent Resolve of the Global Coalition against Daesh, an operation currently in a transition phase as it moves towards new formats for security cooperation.

Esteemed colleagues, by continuing this Bundeswehr mission we, together with our partners, can protect the stabilisation successes chalked up and consolidate the regional security architecture enabling Iraq to prevent a resurgence of the terrorist organisation IS in the long term and thus help transition Operation Inherent Resolve to new formats for security cooperation with our Iraqi partners.

Let me underscore two points. Firstly, it is the explicit wish of the Iraqi Government that the Bundeswehr remains present on the ground. I would like to thank all the soldiers for their excellent work and for their service in Baghdad and Erbil. Secondly, with our military engagement we are sending an important political signal regarding security and the Alliance while strengthening the regional security architecture parallel to civilian stabilisation measures. And we also form a counterweight to Iran.

So let us resolutely counter the terrorist threat posed by IS. With the support of our partners. Because it is in the interest of our security.

Thank you.