On 7th May 2018, the NATO Defense College (NDC) inaugurated the seventh Senior Executive Regional Conference (SERC 7) in Rome. The aim of this five-day course is to promote mutual understanding on issues related to the Mediterranean and the Gulf, to enhance the understanding of current security challenges for the Alliance and its partners, and to allow participants to familiarize themselves with current and prospective issues facing NATO.
In the morning, the Head of the Middle East Faculty, Colonel Filippo Bonsignore (ITA A), gave an introduction to the course; this was followed by welcome remarks by the Dean of the NDC, BrigGen (ret) František Mičánek, who highlighted the common challenges faced by NATO and its partners in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and the importance of SERC in helping to build a common understanding of security issues for NATO and its partners.
Admiral James Foggo III (USA N), Commander Allied Joint Force Command Naples, then delivered the opening lecture, giving his perspective on the security challenges and prospects for cooperation with the South. The lecture was followed by a plenary discussion with delegates, comprising ambassadors, high-ranking officials and generals from 18 different nations (NATO, MD, ICI and other selected Partners).
During the afternoon lecture, the NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Mr. James Appathurai (CAN), discussed different aspects of NATO’s Agenda for the South, leading to a lively and constructive discussion with participants.
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