His Excellency Bjørn T. Grydeland, Norwegian Ambassador to Italy, today visited the NATO Defense College to gain detailed insight into its range of courses and related activities.
Warmly welcomed by his fellow countryman Lieutenant General Arne Bård Dalhaug, Commandant of the College, Ambassador Grydeland was briefed about the three mainstays of the College’s work: education, research, and outreach.
In recent years Norway has progressively increased its commitment to the NDC, being eminently represented both in the College chain of command and through the constant presence of senior officers and civilians attending the Senior Course.
The leadership at the College includes not only the Commandant but also another Norwegian officer, Cdre Harald Hakonsen, who holds the key position of Director of Management. In terms of attendance at recent courses, from Senior Course 114 to 118 inclusive there were a total of 17 Norwegian Course Members. Senior Course 119, which finished one week ago, was attended by four Norwegians, including two female officers.
On the next Senior Course, for which Inauguration Day is scheduled on 21st February, Norway will be represented by three Course Members.
The fact that Ambassador Grydeland made the NATO Defense College one of his first visits following his recent appointment as his country’s highest-ranking diplomatic representative in Italy reflects the College’s excellent cooperation with Norway, and the outstanding reputation it has earned in the international arena.
LtCol. Mario Masdea, Chief Public Affairs and Protocol Officer, ITA-A
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN 