NATO Secretary General calls for deeper cooperation with Gulf states as the security environment deteriorates. The Alliance has expanded its engagement in the region through initiatives such as the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Regional Centre in Kuwait.
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| NATO and Gulf states mark 20 years of collaboration, with Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg calling for stronger ties to address global security challenges. Image Credit: NATO |
Brussels, Belgium - September 26, 2024:
In a significant address delivered on Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated the Alliance's commitment to strengthening its partnerships with countries in the Gulf region. Speaking at an event commemorating the 20th anniversary of the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI), Stoltenberg emphasized the need for a more strategic and results-oriented approach to cooperation in the face of a deteriorating security environment.
The ICI, established in 2004, provides a platform for practical cooperation and political dialogue between NATO and its Gulf partners, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The initiative has evolved over the years, expanding its scope to encompass areas such as cyber defense, security sector reform, climate change, and maritime security.
Stoltenberg highlighted the significant achievements of the NATO-ICI partnership, noting the increased cooperation in various fields and the contributions made by the Gulf partners. He emphasized that the security challenges faced today are global in nature, and closer collaboration with partners in the Gulf and wider Middle East region is essential.
To further strengthen its engagement in the region, NATO has taken several steps. These include the appointment of a Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, the opening of a NATO Liaison Office in Jordan, and the expansion of the training mission in Iraq. Additionally, the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Regional Centre in Kuwait and the Hub for the South in Naples provide a strong foundation for future partnerships.
The anniversary event, hosted by the Crown Prince of Kuwait, brought together NATO's ICI partners as well as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The event served as a platform to review the progress made over the past two decades and discuss future directions for the partnership.
As NATO continues to adapt to a changing security landscape, its partnerships with countries in the Gulf region are likely to become even more important. The 20th anniversary of the NATO-ICI partnership marks a significant milestone in this evolving relationship, and the Secretary General's call for deeper cooperation is a clear indication of the Alliance's commitment to the region.