Visit to Australian troops in Iraq accompanied by Australian Victoria Cross recipients

On Sunday 9 August 2015, at Ҫanakkale Airport, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), as guest of the Governor of Ҫanakkale, Mr Ahmet Çınar, attended a farewell ceremony.

Afterwards, at Baghdad International Airport, the Governor-General, accompanied by the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Angus Campbell DSC AM, was greeted by the Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq, Her Excellency Ms Lyndall Sachs PSM, and the Commander Joint Task Force 633, Rear Admiral Trevor Jones AM CSC RAN.

Later, at the Australian Embassy Baghdad, the Governor-General, as guest of the Australian Ambassador, met with Australian officials working in Iraq.

Then, at the Presidential Palace, the Governor-General, as guest of the President of the Republic of Iraq, His Excellency Mr Fouad Massoum, attended a ceremonial welcome.

Afterwards, the Governor-General met with the President of the Republic of Iraq.

In the afternoon, the Governor-General attended a lunch hosted in his honour by the President of the Republic of Iraq.

Later, at the Office of the Prime Minister, the Governor-General met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, His Excellency Dr Haider al-Abadi.

Then, in Baghdad, the Governor-General, as guest of the Commanding Officer and Regimental Sergeant Major, and accompanied by Australian Victoria Cross recipients, Mr Keith Payne VC AM, Corporal Mark Donaldson VC, Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG and Corporal Daniel Keighran VC, met with Australian Special Operations Command service personnel providing advice and assistance to the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service.

In the evening, in Taji, the Governor-General, as guest of the Commanding Officer and Regimental Sergeant Major, and accompanied by the Australian Victoria Cross recipients, met with Australian and New Zealand service personnel assisting with the training of Iraqi Security Forces.

Afterwards, the Governor-General, accompanied by the Australian Victoria Cross recipients, attended a dinner with Australian Defence Force personnel serving in Taji.