Rutte: NATO and allies are helping to maintain peace in Kosovo
tidings
Express Newspaper
24/09/2026 7:09
The Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, mentioned Kosovo during a speech in Iowa, United States of America, emphasizing the role of the Alliance and the contribution of the Iowa National Guard in the country.
Rutte participated in Des Moines in the discussion “A Conversation on NATO’s Future”, organized by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, together with the US Permanent Representative to NATO, Ambassador Matthew G. Whitaker.
Speaking about the importance of NATO for the security of the United States and the contribution of the allies in maintaining peace, Rutte singled out Kosovo as one of the concrete examples of cooperation.
“Together, we help maintain peace in Kosovo”, declared Rutte.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, US Permanent Representative to NATO Ambassador Matthew G. Whitaker, and Leslie Vinjamuri convene in Iowa to discuss the future of the alliance and what it means for Americans at home. https://t.co/9LABP4Ph59
— Chicago Council on Global Affairs (@ChicagoCouncil) September 22, 2026
He also emphasized the special connection between Kosovo and Iowa, mentioning the contribution of members of the National Guard of this American state.
Rutte said that Kosovo is a partner state of Iowa and that members of the Iowa National Guard have provided important support and training to the Kosovo Security Force, mentioning KFOR in this context.
Rutte’s visit to Iowa also included the National Guard of this state. NATO announced that Rutte and Whitaker visited the headquarters of the Joint Forces of the Iowa National Guard at Camp Dodge, where they praised its members for their contribution to NATO missions and exercises, especially the KFOR mission in Kosovo.
KFOR continues its mission in Kosovo, where, according to NATO, it has the duty to contribute to maintaining a safe environment and freedom of movement for all communities.
After his stay in Iowa, Rutte traveled to New York to participate in the proceedings of the United Nations General Assembly.
