During the NATO talk, participants discussed the importance of NATO partnerships in the Gulf region and the changing security environment. Ambassador Boris Ruge emphasized the significance of security in the Gulf region for NATO’s own security. He also highlighted the work of an independent group of experts appointed by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to provide recommendations for shaping NATO’s approach in the southern neighborhood, including the Middle East, North Africa, and the Sahel. The discussion aimed to address the future of NATO relations in the region and explore ways to enhance security cooperation.
The Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) was launched in 2004 as a partnership forum to promote security cooperation between NATO and partner countries in the Gulf region. Four countries, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, have joined the initiative, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The NIRC, established in 2017, focuses on strengthening political dialogue, education, training, and public diplomacy. The NATO talk held at the NIRC provided a platform to reflect on the achievements of the ICI over the past two decades and discuss ways to further enhance NATO-Gulf relations.
Ambassador Boris Ruge’s participation in the discussion highlighted NATO’s commitment to the region and its efforts to address security challenges. The presence of Dr. Bader Al-Saif, Assistant Professor of History at Kuwait University, added an academic perspective to the dialogue, providing insights into the historical context of NATO-Gulf relations. The exchange of ideas and recommendations during the NATO talk aimed to contribute to the ongoing reflection within NATO on its engagement with partner countries in the Gulf region.
Overall, the NATO talk at the NIRC served as a platform for discussing the future of NATO relations in the Gulf region and exploring ways to strengthen security cooperation. The ICI’s 20th anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and identify areas for further collaboration. With the participation of key stakeholders, including Ambassador Boris Ruge and Dr. Bader Al-Saif, the discussion highlighted the importance of NATO partnerships in addressing security challenges and promoting stability in the region. Moving forward, NATO’s engagement with partner countries in the Gulf is likely to continue evolving to address new security threats and enhance cooperation.
