On 10 May 2013, the NATO Defense College (NDC) proudly celebrated the graduation of the ninth NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC 9).
Amongst the distinguished guests attending the ceremony were: Guest Speaker H.E. Ambassador Staffan de Mistura, former Deputy Minister for the Italian Foreign Affairs and since last April Special Envoy to India, H.E. Said Nasser Mansoor Al-Sinawi Al-Harthy, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman, H.E. Zaid Al-Lozi Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, H.E. Mokhtar Ould Dahi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, H.E. Mr. Ghanem Al-Shibli, Ambassador Head of Mission of the Arab League of Rome and H.E. Alessandro Minuto Rizzo, President of the NDC Foundation and Former Deputy Secretary General of NATO.
As a highlight to the event and to conclude the Course curriculum, Mr Staffan de Mistura delivered an excellent lecture, both to NRCC 9 and the Generals Flag Officers and Ambassadors’ Course 2013-1, entitled “Opportunity from Crisis”. The lecture was followed by a lively Question and Answer Session with the speaker.
After the lecture, Dr Richard D. Hooker, Jr., Dean of the NDC, addressed Course Members. He focused on the importance of the NRCC as a fundamental part of the NDC’s mission, highlighting the contribution it makes to the professional development of Course Members in high-level civilian and military office. The NRCC curriculum is extremely well focused and embraces the most significant strategic challenges at regional and global levels, addressing defence and security-related issues which are relevant for the whole of the international community.
Following the Dean’s address, NRCC Course Members came forward individually to receive their graduation diplomas and the personal congratulations of the NDC leadership.
NRCC 9 brought together 25 military and civilian leaders from 12 different countries, including NATO members as well as Mediterranean Dialogue (MD), Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) and Global Partner countries.
The NRCC was developed with the purpose of enhancing dialogue, reciprocal understanding and cooperation in facing current and emerging security challenges for NATO, the Middle East and neighbouring areas. Far from offering a mere complement to mainstream security-related topics, many of the activities, such as the week on religion, enable Course Members to work towards a truly comprehensive strategic dialogue and to develop what the College calls “human interoperability”, establishing mutual trust as a firm basis for cooperation.
At the end of the ceremony, the Middle East Faculty (MEF) took the opportunity to sincerely thank two of its staff members who are leaving the College this month: Faculty Advisor Dr Florence Gaub (FRA/DEU C), and Ops Officer and Researcher Mr Can Berk (TUR C).
Dr Gaub has made a most valuable contribution to the Middle East Faculty since its foundation, and her dedication to research has enriched the NDC. Although Mr Berk has been in the MEF for a shorter time, he too has played an important part recently in the success of the NRCC and the Senior Executive Regional Conference (SERC). Both Dr Gaub and Mr Berk have left a significant mark, not only in the MEF, but in the College as a whole.
To conclude the event, NRCC9 Course President Brig.Gen. Khaled Al Sharah (JOR A) presented Dr Hooker with an ornamental clock as a sign of gratitude to the NDC from all NRCC 9 Course Members.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Francesca Blasi, ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN 
