General Vincenzo CAMPORINI, Italian Chief of Defence, delivered the Inauguration Address to Senior Course 116 at the NATO Defense College in Rome today.
The IT CHOD was welcomed by Lt General Wolf-Dieter LOESER, Commandant of the NATO Defense College. In his opening remarks, Lt General LOESER reminded Course Members of the importance of improving and deepening their knowledge in order to meet the current challenges that NATO has to face.
General CAMPORINI’s Inauguration Address focused on the relationship between NATO and the European Union and highlighted the primary objective of the New Strategic Concept: to tackle the new threats of the global environment and, by strengthening Allied solidarity, ensure that NATO is better able to respond to any situation likely to arise.
To achieve NATO goals, it is essential to develop stronger synergy with key actors, both governmental and non-governmental, on the international stage. In addition, new emphasis should be given to fostering the relationship between NATO and the European Union.
General CAMPORINI’s speech was followed by a Q&A period. The Course Members’ questions generated a lively debate and were a clear sign of their interest in the issues that had been raised.
General CAMPORINI’s Inaugural Address opened Senior Course 116. The Senior Course, lasting six months, is the College’s core business and aims to prepare senior officers and equivalent civilian officials for senior NATO positions through in-depth study of the changing international security environment and the new, multi-faceted threats and challenges to the Alliance.
Course Members – military personnel and civilians representing 29 NATO, PfP, Mediterranean Dialogue, ICI and Contact Countries – have the chance to broaden their knowledge at the NATO Defense College. As Lt General LOESER stressed, it is never the wrong time to learn.
LtCol. Mario Masdea, Chief Public Affairs Office, ITA-A
NATO Defense College