On 13 October 2023, His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan visited the NATO Defense College (NDC), accompanied by a delegation from His Royal Highness’s office and the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Republic of Italy. The aim of the visit was to deliver a Lecture of Opportunity to Senior Course 143 (SC 143) and NATO Regional Cooperation Course 30 (NRCC 30) on “Eurasia and the Stability of the Mashreq”.
His Royal Highness and his accompanying delegation were warmly welcomed upon their arrival at the College by NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen, followed by His Royal Highness’s signing of the Guest Book.
Prince El Hassan bin Talal, and H.E. Kais Abu Dayyeh, Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Jordan to Italy, joined for an Office Call and gift exchange with the NDC Commandant.
His Royal Highness then headed to the Main Auditorium to deliver his Lecture of Opportunity before Senior Course 143 and NRCC 30 members, entitled “Eurasia and the Stability of the Mashreq”. His address included a comprehensive overview of the pressing geopolitical matters in the region, tackling contemporary regional conflicts and crises, including the ever-pressing issue of climate change and its future ramifications.
Prince El Hassan bin Talal underscored the critical imperative of quelling these conflicts and fostering regional and inter-state cooperation. He passionately underlined the importance of promoting peace, tolerance, and a humanitarian ethos, asserting, “conflicts in one part of the world can have far-reaching consequences; it is a moral and strategic duty to grow peace and find diplomatic solutions to conflicts”.
Moreover, he pointed out that “today’s challenge is understanding how to work together to improve equal citizenship rights by empowering and helping people from their current conditions and out of their separate regions”. His own rich history as a statesman and peacemaker with decades of international involvement in advocating for peace, dialogue, and humanitarian justice lent particular weight to his words. He recounted some of his first-hand experiences, such as the establishment of the “Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation (TREC)” to advance development, climate stability, and neighborly relations. The common thread throughout his discourse was the call for unity; the importance of listening to each other’s interests and concerns; and the pursuit of collective solutions.
The very insightful lecture was followed by a Q&A session during which the audience shared their points of view and debated on some of the topics addressed during the lecture. Course Members also inquired on Jordan’s historical and ongoing relationships with border countries.
As a member of the Hashemite family of Jordan, His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan Bin Talal has received numerous prestigious honours, titles, and awards. Prince Hassan participates in several platforms that encourage communication and collaboration. He is an advocate for peace, dialogue and humanitarian justice. This was the fourth time he lectured at the NDC. His insights were highly appreciated among the attendees.
NDC Public Affairs Office
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN