Javier Colomina, NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Southern Neighborhood, emphasized the vital role of NATO's Regional Center in Kuwait as a hub for political dialogue and security cooperation with Gulf partners. The remarks came during an interview with KUNA marking the 21st anniversary of Kuwait's designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally by the United States.

Key Achievements of NATO's Kuwait Center (Since 2017 Inauguration)

• 101 Policy Dialogues: High-level conferences, visits, and events

• 56 Military Training Courses: Enhancing regional defense capabilities

• 2023 Focus Areas: Climate security, food security, maritime safety, and defense education

• Youth Engagement: "Young Ambassadors" program hosted in February 2024 with UN/UK/Canada

Kuwait-NATO Strategic Partnership

✔ 2024-2027 Partnership Program: Focused on:

• Cybersecurity

• Counterterrorism

• Civil emergency planning

• Non-proliferation

✔ Historic Firsts:

• First GCC state to join Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (2004)

• First to adopt Individual Partnership Program (2024-2027)

• Hosted 3 NATO-GCC Foreign Ministers' Meetings (2006, 2017, 2019)

Upcoming Priorities

• 2025 Plan: Most active year yet with training on:
  » Counterterrorism
  » Maritime security
  » Cyber defense
  » Crisis management

• Washington Summit Outcome (July 2024): New action plan to deepen NATO's Gulf/Middle East engagement

High-Level Participation

• Featured speakers have included:
  • NATO Assistant Secretary General Boris Ruge
  • Kuwait Coast Guard Director General Brig. Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah

Expert Commentary

"The Kuwait center has become NATO's anchor for Gulf cooperation," stated Colomina. "Our 20-year partnership demonstrates how tailored programs yield concrete security results