Uzbek Delegation Visits the NDC, Fostering Closer Cooperation

On November 28 and 29, 2024, the NATO Defense College (NDC) welcomed a delegation from the Academy of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a unique opportunity for the delegation to learn about the NDC’s objectives and activities. This visit marked a significant step in fostering better mutual understanding and closer cooperation between the College and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Gift Exchange between NDC Commandant LGEN Nielsen and COL Shayakubov

From left to right, Mr Nuriddin Kushnazarov, COL Shayakubov, and COL Karaev during the briefing

NDC Commadant LGEN Nielsen engages with COL Karaev

Led by Colonel Babur Shayakubov, Commandant of the Academy, and Colonel Navruzjon Karaev, Head for Relations with European Countries and International Organizations at the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the delegation received comprehensive briefings on the NDC’s mission, values and academic programmes. The discussions shed light on NATO’s approach to regional security and its commitment to building strong partnerships worldwide.

The delegation was also briefed on the NDC’s NATO Regional Cooperation Course curriculum. Running twice a year at the College, this Course is attended by senior officers, civilians and diplomats mainly from NATO partners, reflecting the Alliance’s focus on forging strong and durable relationships with partner nations such as Uzbekistan.

Last October, an NDC delegation visited the Uzbekistan Armed Forces Partnership for Peace (PfP) Training Center and the Academy of the Armed Forces in Tashkent. This visit provided NDC Course Members with an overview of Uzbekistan’s security and defence policy, its role as a strategic player in Central Asia, and its engagement with NATO. The Uzbek delegation’s presence in Rome therefore built upon this earlier visit and furthered the discussions on promoting stronger ties between both institutions.

During the visit, the heads of delegation, Colonel Babur Shayakubov and Colonel Navruzjon Karaev, engaged with the NDC leadership and discussed potential avenues for enhanced cooperation during an Office Call with NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Nielsen. Additionally, Mr Nuriddin Kushnazarov, Counsellor, Deputy Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to FAO, IFAD and WFP, joined the Uzbek delegation on 28 November, further reinforcing diplomatic ties.

NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Chloé Ketels, FRA C)