On 7 November 2025, the NATO Defense College (NDC) marked the successful completion of the 10-week NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC) 34 with a Graduation Ceremony. This final course event, attended by Ambassadors to Italy, Defence Attachés, along with Course Members’ families, as well as NDC staff, highlighted the Course’s vital contribution to security in fostering collaboration and mutual understanding among Allies and partners.
Held twice a year, the NRCC serves as NATO’s primary educational initiative to strengthen ties with partners across the Mediterranean Dialogue (MD), the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) and the broader Middle East. Designed for senior military and civilian officials, the course equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate today’s complex security challenges through engaging lectures, committee work, and exercises. With this NRCC bringing together 36 Course Members from 19 NATO and partner nations, the NDC’s multinational environment provides participants with a unique opportunity to hone their consensus-building skills, sharpen strategic thinking and explore collaborative approaches to shared security challenges.
Opening the ceremony with his address, NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen reminded the audience that the NATO Regional Cooperation Course is the Alliance’s primary partner-oriented education and outreach activity. Its core purpose is to forge solid relationships and develop synergies among officers and civilian officials from NATO and partner countries, ensuring in-depth interactions and knowledge-sharing as the foundation for international cooperation and dialogue.
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Andrew M. Rohling, former Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee and guest of honour, delivered the Graduation Address. He highlighted the manifold global challenges affecting NATO and, echoing the Commandant, stressed that NDC graduates have an important role in shaping the Alliance’s future. He emphasized that their experience at the College reinforces NATO’s “Stronger Together” principle, consolidating bonds, dialogue, and networks that contribute to a more resilient Alliance.
Prior to the conferment of diplomas, NRCC 34 Course President Brigadier General Moez Zouari addressed his fellow Course Members and NDC guests. He described how the NRCC provides an environment to share experiences, build lifelong networks and forge partnerships, thus enhancing collective security.
The graduation of the 34th NATO Regional Cooperation Course underscores the NDC’s ongoing commitment to bolstering collective strategic thinking and preparing future leaders to navigate a constantly evolving global security environment. As members of the NDC’s Alumni community, NRCC graduates will continue to strengthen networks, promote dialogue and foster collaboration between NATO and its partners.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Britt Melinga, NLD C)
NATO Defense College