Category: Intelligence

Since September 2022, the NATO Communications and Information Academy has supported the expansion of the UN Academy for Peace Operations course curriculum on Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4), as well as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. The NCIA Academy also contributed to upgrades to UN classroom equipment including the delivery of a Virtual Instructor-Led Training facility. 

“At UN request, NATO and UN staffs will continue to explore ways to expand our practical cooperation; our discussions have rightly emphasized a key guiding principle – developing UN sustainability; we are shaping a future where our cooperation and partnership will continue to flourish, benefiting all those who seek peace and security in the world,” said Defence and Security Cooperation Director of NATO’s Operations Division, Piers Cazalet. The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Partnerships Directorate at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Rear Admiral Gunnstein Bruåsdal, added: “The UN-NATO partnership has brought improvements, efficiency and productivity to the training and performance of UN peacekeeping personnel.” 

NATO’s Defence Capacity Building package for UN Peacekeeping Training includes four lines of cooperation, aimed at helping the UN strengthen its ability to provide training for peacekeepers and improve their performance. These include efforts related to Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices, Military Performance Evaluation, Military Medicine, Signals/Information and Communications Technology. Through the NATO-UN partnership, NATO also aims to foster greater security and stability in its Southern Neighbourhood, which is vital for international peace and security.  

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who chaired the meeting, said: “Ukraine continues to intercept Russian missiles on a daily basis, saving countless lives. But Ukraine’s ability to maintain their defences requires increased supply and more support. In the wake of the latest Russian assault, Allies today reaffirmed they are stepping up their military aid to Ukraine. We must continue to provide Ukraine with the equipment and munitions it needs to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. This is vital for Ukraine’s ability to stay in the fight.”

Since the start of Russia’s full-fledged invasion, Allies have made unprecedented contributions to Ukraine’s defences. At the NATO Summit in July, numerous Allies announced they will send Ukraine additional strategic air defence systems, including more Patriot batteries, and Allies agreed that together they would provide a minimum of 40 billion euros of security assistance in the next year. Allies also agreed to coordinate security assistance and training for Ukraine, with a new NATO command taking on these tasks that will become operational in September. 

Wednesday’s meeting was held at ambassadorial level and was convened at Ukraine’s request. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov briefed Allies via video-link on the current security situation and priority capability needs. The NATO-Ukraine Council was created at the NATO Summit in July 2023 and serves as a forum for joint consultations, decision-making and activities between NATO and Ukraine. Ambassadors from NATO’s member countries and Ukrainian officials normally attend meetings of the council.

“Since 2018, at the request of the Iraqi authorities, our non-combat advisory and capacity building mission, NATO Mission Iraq, has advised Iraqi security institutions helping them to shore up their nation’s security, fight terrorism and prevent the return of Daesh; we work hand-in-hand every day to enable Iraq to build more sustainable, transparent, inclusive and effective armed forces and security institutions that can restore long-term stability to its people, and we undertake these efforts with full respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Tom Goffus, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations.

“Today, we held important meetings with the North Atlantic Council, as well as with the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations and the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood,” Iraq’s National Security Advisor, Qasim al-Araji, pointed out. “We reaffirmed to NATO the true, long term partnership between Iraq and NATO to assist in achieving security and stability for Iraq, through the provision of advice and capacity building to the Iraqi Security Forces. NATO Mission Iraq is a non-combat advisory mission and Iraq has agreed with NATO to continue our positive dialogue; our partnership is not against any one; rather it is for the sake of a safe and stable Iraq,” he added.

“Today we further build on this successful practical cooperation by launching a political dialogue; both NATO and Iraq have an interest in a stable and secure Middle East, and so it is only natural that we discuss how we can work on this together,” said Javier Colomina, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy and Special Representative of the NATO Secretary General for the southern neighbourhood.

NATO’s Special Representative for the southern neighbourhood will serve as NATO’s focal point for the region. He will be responsible for coordinating and enhancing the visibility of NATO’s efforts in the south and will strengthen engagement with partners. 

At the Washington Summit, Allies agreed on an action plan that will increase NATO’s engagement in the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel regions. The appointment of the Special Representative is part of this plan.

During their visit, the Iraqi officials met with NATO Permanent Representatives and members of NATO’s International Staff. They exchanged views on the NATO-Iraq partnership, the prospects for long-term cooperation, as well as on topics of mutual interest, including regional security.