The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) officially ended on Saturday but support for the country will continue, Secretary-General António Guterres affirmed at the closing ceremony in Baghdad.
"It is important that the whole of the international community understands that today is a new chapter," he said.
UNAMI was established in 2003, following the fall of Saddam Hussein, and supported political dialogue and reconciliation, electoral assistance, and promoting human rights as well as judicial and legal reforms. Its mandate concludes on 31 December.
'A country at peace'
Mr. Guterres hailed the courage, fortitude and determination of the Iraqi people who overcame decades of violence, oppression, war, terrorism, sectarianism and foreign interference.
"Against all odds, the Iraqi people never wavered in your commitment to build a peaceful, inclusive society based on the rule of law and democratic institutions," he said.
Today, Iraq is "a country at peace with increased security and a clear determination to win the battle of development."
The Secretary-General pointed to milestones achieved over the past two decades, including the drafting of the 2005 Constitution, multiple national elections, and the territorial defeat of the terrorist group Da'esh, also known as ISIL.
He added that Iraq has also developed stronger relations with neighbouring countries and the global community.
