NATO official: Enhance cooperation with Kuwait and GCC countries in 4 vital security areas
The head of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) team at the NATO Regional Cooperation Initiative (NRCI) Center in Kuwait, Frans Borsma, affirmed the Alliance’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in four vital security areas.
Speaking to KUNA after the conclusion of the “Crisis Management and Disaster Response” course hosted by the center, Borsma said these security areas include countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), counter-terrorism, maritime security, and defense against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.
He added that the Alliance has begun implementing four major projects aimed at deepening security cooperation with countries in the region and enhancing the exchange of expertise in addressing shared challenges. These projects come within the context of a renewed NATO strategy to strengthen its partnerships with GCC states amid the evolving security developments and challenges facing the region.
Borsma emphasized the importance of broadening cooperation to include all GCC countries, thereby serving the mutual interests of both sides. He praised Kuwait’s role in hosting the NATO Regional Cooperation Initiative Center, describing it as a unique platform for enhancing dialogue, coordination, and the exchange of expertise between NATO and regional countries.
He noted that cooperation between NATO and GCC states is based on the exchange of knowledge and leveraging the accumulated expertise of both parties, pointing out that regional countries possess valuable experience in handling security challenges and managing crises, which can be complemented by NATO’s expertise.
He explained that the center seeks to enhance mutual understanding and exchange best practices through training courses, political dialogues, interactive exercises, and tabletop simulations, benefiting both sides.
Regarding the “Crisis Management and Disaster Response” course, Borsma expressed his appreciation for the cooperation with the Bulgarian Center of Excellence for Crisis Management and Disaster Response, which delivered the training program for the second time after its participation last year.
He stressed that crisis management and disaster response represent a priority for all countries worldwide, particularly GCC states, given current regional circumstances, emphasizing the importance of building capacities and enhancing readiness to deal with various emergencies.
For his part, Emad Al-Kandari, advisor and director of the NATO Regional Cooperation Initiative Center, told KUNA in a similar statement the importance of joint training programs in developing regional capacities and enhancing the exchange of expertise and knowledge in crisis management and disaster response.
Al-Kandari said that Kuwait’s hosting of these programs underscores its role as a key partner within the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative and reflects the center’s commitment to supporting and developing capacities and strengthening cooperation with partner countries across various fields, keeping pace with developments and meeting needs.
