On 14 December 2023, the NATO Military Committee held two different meetings with Partners to prepare for the upcoming Chiefs of Defence meeting in January 2024. During the first meeting, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, welcomed the Military Representatives of NATO’s Indo-Pacific Partners, including Australia, Japan, Republic of Korea, and New Zealand. He emphasized the importance of working together to address common security challenges such as China, Cyber, Climate Change, and Maritime Security. The need for global solutions to global challenges was highlighted, with a focus on preserving the rules-based international order.
During the first meeting, regional security updates were provided by the Australian, Japanese, and New Zealander colleagues, pointing out the growing concerns regarding China and Russia, as well as their deepening strategic cooperation. The Chair stressed the importance of Allies and like-minded Partners working together to address the challenges posed by Russia and China to Euro-Atlantic and global security. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation and coordination among NATO and its Partners to effectively address these challenges and maintain a rules-based international order.
In the second meeting, the NATO Military Committee welcomed counterparts from the Partner Interoperability Advocacy Group (PIAG), which includes Australia, Austria, Ireland, New Zealand, and Switzerland. These Nations hold non-NATO Nation Status, allowing them to exchange classified information and participate in NATO training and exercises. Admiral Bauer highlighted the importance of NATO’s partnership programs in reinforcing collective security beyond the Alliance’s borders and providing opportunities to deepen military cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
At the Madrid and Vilnius Summits, NATO Allies agreed to enhance cooperation with existing Partners and seek out new like-minded Partners. The NATO Military Committee has been engaging more regularly with Partners to fulfill this commitment. Admiral Bauer emphasized the need to increase and deepen cooperation with Partners to address challenges and threats collectively. The meetings with PIAG and Indo-Pacific Partners were seen as a step towards strengthening cooperation and finding solutions to common security challenges. The upcoming Chiefs of Defence meeting in early 2024 is expected to further enhance collaboration among NATO and its Partners.
