On July 13th, 2026, Metro Center organized a meeting with a delegation from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Iraq and gathered a number of media personalities and journalists.
The meeting was aimed at exchanging views on the current situation of the press and freedom of expression in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq before the end of the diplomatic mission of the Dutch Ambassador to Iraq, Janet Albert. Attendees shared their professional experiences, including, challenges facing the media sector, broader issues related to press freedom, and access to information and the importance of protecting civic spaces.
Also, the meeting was an opportunity to honor the hard work of the Ambassador, on the occasion of the end of her mission. Diyaree Mohammed, Director of Metro Center, expressed his appreciation for the ambassador’s contacts with journalists and civil society throughout her tenure. "Her recognition and commitment to supporting dialogue and promoting the values of freedom of expression and independent journalism is worthy of respect,” Mohammed said.
At the end of the meeting, the Dutch Ambassador to Iraq, Janet Alberta, wished continuity and success to Metro Center and its colleagues and said, "I hope that we will no longer hear bad stories about the situation in the region.” In return, Metro Center wished Ms. Janet every success in her future assignments.