Today, 28 May, H.E. Mr Jaap de Hoop SCHEFFER, the Secretary General of NATO, came to Rome to visit the NATO Defense College (as part of his farewell tour) and to address Senior Course 114. The Commandant of the NATO Defense College, Lt. Gen. Wolf-Dieter LOESER, welcoming the Secretary General and his delegation in an Office Call, expressed his thanks and briefed Mr SCHEFFER on the College’s latest activities and forthcoming events and programs.
During his speech in the Main Auditorium in the presence of a number of authorities and ambassadors, the Secretary General outlined seven priorities for the new Strategic Concept, among them relations with the European Union in an open door policy, and the development of a comprehensive approach – a topic that was explored during the recent Conference of Commandants in Rome. He also underlined the need to keep in mind the lessons learned from the experience of Afghanistan.
He then turned his attention to NATO’s relations with Russia in the light of the new global security challenges. It was important, he said, to pursue a genuine partnership with Russia that encourages cooperation on areas of common interest and frank discussion on areas of dissent.
During the brief but intensive Q&A session, Mr SCHEFFER responded to highly relevant and searching questions with detailed expert opinions. He emphasized the significant role played by NATO in achieving more diplomacy ability. The key to success, he said, was to tackle security problems together. Difficulties and differences of opinion were discussed frankly as were the clear challenges for the future.
Prepared by Mr Angelo Marolla (ITA CIV)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN