BRUSSELS, Aug. 12 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Tuesday welcomed the decision by the Iraqi President Fuad Massoum to nominate Haider al-Abadi as Prime Minister-Designate of Iraq, according to a NATO statement.

"This represents an important step in the constitutional process towards the formation of a new government," Rasmussen said, adding that "I encourage the designated Prime Minister and all Iraqi political leaders to work towards the swift formation of an inclusive government that represents the legitimate interests and aspirations of all Iraqis."

He said forming an inclusive government was essential in defeating the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which represents a threat to the security and stability of the region as a whole.

"At this challenging time, NATO remains committed to its partnership with Iraq," the Secretary General said.

Iraqi President Fuad Massoum on Monday asked Haidar al-Abadi to form the next government, the local TV reported.