NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Iraq’s Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, defence and interior ministers and other officials Tuesday (September 17th) in Baghdad to review counter-terrorism efforts and the enhancement of security and stability in Iraq.

Abdul Mahdi said during the meeting that "there is a clear vision to address internal and external challenges, work seriously to uphold the rule of law and restrict weapons to the state", according to a statement released by the prime minister's office.

He stressed to Stoltenberg and the NATO delegation that "Iraq is moving in the right direction in all fields and enjoying clear stability", it said.

He also expressed his appreciation to NATO for "its assistance in fighting and defeating the 'Islamic State of Iraq and Syria' (ISIS)".

Meanwhile, Stoltenberg lauded the improvement of conditions in Iraq, and expressed support for Iraq’s balanced policy as a key balancing factor in the region.

"NATO, which is operating under the approval and supervision of the Iraqi government and its sovereign decisions, is a partner and supporter of Iraq and its sovereignty, the unity of its people, and its government’s balanced and wise policies," he said.

"ISIS has caused harm to all peoples around the world and its financial and military resources must be eliminated," he added, noting that NATO will continue to train Iraqi security forces and strengthen Iraq’s military and security institutions.