NATO Chief Reaffirms Strong Partnership with Iraq During Baghdad Visit

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed the alliance’s strong partnership with Iraq during his visit to Baghdad, where he met top officials to discuss regional security and NATO’s evolving mission in the country. Rutte, accompanied by US Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, praised the cooperation between NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) and Iraqi authorities in areas such as security education, logistics, cyber defense, and governance.

Emphasizing NATO’s commitment to Iraq’s sovereignty, Rutte highlighted the mission’s role in strengthening Iraq’s security forces and preventing the resurgence of ISIS. He reiterated that the alliance’s efforts are guided by Iraq’s request and aimed at ensuring long-term stability and security for its citizens.

During the two-day visit, Rutte held meetings with President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. Established in 2018, NMI continues its advisory and training operations under the leadership of Dutch Lt. Gen. Lucas Schreurs.