NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte highlighted Kosovo during a speech in Iowa, United States, emphasizing the Alliance’s role and the contribution of the Iowa National Guard to security in Kosovo.
Rutte took part in a discussion titled “A Conversation on NATO’s Future” in Des Moines, organized by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, alongside U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew G. Whitaker.
Speaking about NATO’s importance to U.S. security and the contribution of Allies to maintaining peace, Rutte cited Kosovo as a concrete example of cooperation.
“Together, we help maintain peace in Kosovo,” Rutte said.
He also highlighted the special relationship between Kosovo and Iowa, referring to the contribution of members of the Iowa National Guard.
Rutte said Kosovo is a state partner of Iowa and that Iowa National Guard personnel have provided important support and training to the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), also referring to KFOR in this context.
The NATO Secretary General used Kosovo as one of the examples to illustrate how cooperation within the Alliance has a concrete impact on international security.
During his remarks, Rutte also spoke extensively about NATO’s role in the security of Europe, the Atlantic and the Arctic, as well as the importance of Allies increasing their defense capabilities.
He also addressed the war in Ukraine, saying that NATO is helping Kyiv defend itself against Russian aggression and that Ukraine’s security is closely linked to the security of NATO member states.
Rutte’s visit to Iowa also included a visit to the state’s National Guard. NATO said Rutte and Whitaker visited the Iowa National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters at Camp Dodge, where they recognized its personnel for their contributions to NATO missions and exercises, particularly the KFOR mission in Kosovo.
KFOR continues its mission in Kosovo, where, according to NATO, its role is to contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities.
Following his visit to Iowa, Rutte traveled to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly.
