Iraq’s foreign minister discusses security cooperation during visit to NATO Command in Naples

NEWSROOM — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein discussed expanding security and defense cooperation between Iraq and NATO during a visit to the NATO Joint Force Command headquarters in Naples, Italy, on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Hussein was received with an official ceremony by Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, Commander of the NATO Joint Force Command in Naples, in the presence of Italian Ambassador to Iraq Nicola Fontana and several senior NATO commanders.

During their meeting, Hussein and Admiral Munsch reviewed NATO’s efforts to support Iraq’s security and military institutions and explored ways to strengthen cooperation under existing agreements, particularly in the fields of training and knowledge exchange with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.

Full statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Visits the NATO Joint Force Command Headquarters in Naples

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein visited, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the NATO Joint Force Command Headquarters in the Italian city of Naples.

The Minister was received with an official ceremony by the Commander of the Joint Force Command in Naples, Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, in the presence of the Italian Ambassador to Baghdad, Nicola Fontana, and a number of senior NATO commanders.

Mr. Fuad Hussein held a meeting with Admiral Munsch, who offered his congratulations to the Minister on the occasion of Iraq’s National Day, affirming the alliance’s keenness to strengthen its constructive partnership with Iraq.

During the meeting, they reviewed NATO’s efforts in supporting the capabilities of Iraqi security and military institutions, and discussed ways to develop cooperation in light of existing agreements, particularly in the field of training and exchange of expertise with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.

Mr. Fuad Hussein praised the growing level of relations between Iraq and NATO, appreciating the important role played by the NATO Mission in Iraq, and confirming the Iraqi government’s readiness to provide all necessary facilities to enhance this cooperation in a manner that serves the common interests of both sides.

For his part, Admiral Munsch expressed his great appreciation for the cooperation shown by the Iraqi government in implementing partnership and training programs, praising Iraq’s pivotal role in promoting regional security and stability, and expressing his wishes for the success of the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, considering them an important step in consolidating democracy and strengthening internal stability.

The meeting also addressed current regional and international developments, emphasizing the importance of continuing coordination and consultation between Iraq and NATO in confronting common challenges and contributing to the maintenance of international peace and security.