MONS, Belgium - The Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) Partnerships Directorate is currently holding its annual Military Strategic Partnerships Conference (MSPC), hosted by the Irish Armed Forces Ministry of Defence, in Dublin, Ireland.
Representatives from more than 40 nations are participating in the Conference, which is the 10th on partnership subjects and initiatives. The conference, traditionally hosted by a Partner Nation, is a key annual event.
The Military Strategic Partnerships Conference is the ideal occasion to examine new developments in Cooperative Security and to deliberate partnership programmes for future years
"NATO has more than a quarter of a century's experience in advising, supporting and mentoring partner states to support defence and institutional reform, build capabilities and strengthen interoperability. When NATO's neighbours are more stable, NATO is more secure; it is a reality that is even more relevant in the current security environment," said Rear Admiral Bülent Turan, SHAPE Deputy Chief of Staff - Partnerships Directorate.
It is also an opportunity for NATO nations and partners to exchange experiences, ideas and thoughts in a forum developed for open dialogue and discussion.
The Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe Partnerships Directorate held its annual Military Strategic Partnerships Conference. hosted by the Irish Armed Forces Ministry of Defence, in Dublin, Ireland from Mar. 28 to Apr. 1, 2022. Representatives from over 40 nations participated. - Photo by the Irish Defence Forces
"The Military Strategic Partnerships Conference is the ideal occasion to examine new developments in Cooperative Security and to deliberate partnership programmes for future years," said Rear Admiral Turan. Adding, "despite some challenges, caused by COVID-19 restrictions, this event serves to build the personal relationships that are so important in the development of mutual understanding and partnership."
Working with partners is mutually beneficial; partners contribute to NATO's core activities, from shaping policy to building defence capacity, developing interoperability and managing crises. Additionally, dialogue and cooperation with partners can result in concrete contributions to enhancing international security, defending values on which the Alliance is based, and supporting NATO-led missions and operations.
For over 25 years, the Alliance has developed a network of partnerships with non-member countries from the Euro-Atlantic area, the Mediterranean, the Gulf region and others across the globe. This conference is a unique opportunity to show how NATO pursues dialogue and practical cooperation with these nations on a wide range of political and security-related issues.