On 14 April 2023, NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC) 29 visited the Allied Joint Force Command Naples Headquarters and attended several briefings on the missions of JFC Naples. The visit was a prime opportunity to discuss with NSD-S Hub staff on topics of primary interest for both NATO and its southern partners.
Upon arrival, the NATO Strategic Direction-South Hub (NSD-S HUB) Director, Brigadier General Aydin Kilic, welcomed the visiting delegation of the NATO Defense College. He highlighted the importance of cooperation between Allies and Partners for NATO’s mission and its defence posture.
Afterwards, Captain Joshua Foley, Strategic Communication Staff Officer, delivered an introductory briefing on JFCNP Command: its historical background, mission and tasks, enduring operations, NSD-S HUB, and cooperative security efforts.
Captain Giovanni Iodice, Deputy Director of the NSD-S Hub analysis, then presented an overview about the work, aim and main activities conducted by his division. He underscored that the Southern flank is still an area of instability that should not be ignored, and remains an area of delicate interest for NATO. He described the Hub as a “unique tool” that is strongly focused on engagement and networking with subject matter experts from the region Middle East and North Africa in several areas in order to provide strategic advice to NATO leadership and to increase NATO’s understanding of the dynamics in those regions.
The Head of NSD-S HUB Civil-Military Engagement & Coordination Section (CECS) talked about the mission, main tasks, outreach activities and projects conducted by his section. The presentation was followed by a briefing on “the Role of Children in Violent Extremist Organizations in the Middle East and Africa”, delivered by Sabina Avasiloae, Socio-Cultural Analyst in the NSD-S Hub.
The NDC delegation was given the opportunity to hear from Ambassador Robert Dresen, serving as the Senior Civilian to the Director Strategic Communication, Representation and Outreach of NATO Mission Iraq (NMI). He delivered his presentation remotely and presented an overview about the NMI, specifically the aim of the mission to deliver advice and training in order to increase Iraqi security institutions and Security Forces’ capacity to fight and prevent terrorism, and to stabilize the country, its structure and internal relations. He also talked about the NMI advisory concept: their concrete areas of work which are defined in long term objectives; and the differences between NMI and Operation Inherent Resolve. All of the briefings were followed by a Q&A session.
After the briefings, closing remarks were delivered by a NRCC Course Member, followed by those of the head of the NDC visiting delegation, Brigadier General René Leitgen, and Brigadier General Aydin Kilicshared. Both Generals exchanged words of appreciation for the visit and pledged to sustain the dialogue between both institutions.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Sofia Carvalheiro, PRT C)
NATO Defense College