Russian students visit SHAPE for insight on ACO operations

MONS, Belgium - Twenty-four students from universities across Russia and one from the University of Tartu in Estonia, visited Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe yesterday.

The visiting group was comprised of essay competition laureates and students from a university summer course.

The competition was organised by the Information Center for International Security Volgograd and the essays were titled "Crisis of the European security system: potential for cooperation or risk of confrontation?”

The other participants recently attended the Centre of International and Regional Policy Summer School in St. Petersburg.

"This was a terrific opportunity for all of us to exchange views and share perspectives,” said Mr. Mark Laity, the Strategic Communications Advisor to SACEUR. "The group were impressive individuals, well-informed, keen to find out more, and they asked tough but fair questions. I think visits like this benefit us all.”

Previously, the students visited NATO HQ in Brussels for discussions at the political level on NATO-Russia Relations, current operations, digital outreach and security challenges.

SHAPE briefings focused on military operations and activities such as NATO’s efforts in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Allied Command Operation perspective on NATO-Russia relations.

The visit ended with an open panel discussion with several senior officers from various SHAPE divisions.

SHAPE hosts hundreds of tours each year for military and civilian guests from various worldwide organisations. For more information, on the SHAPE tours program visit www.shape.nato.int

Story by SHAPE Public Affairs Office