MONS, Belgium – Over 300 military representatives from 57 nations are in Doha, Qatar for the flagship partnership event, the NATO Military Strategic Partnership Conference 2025, underway until Apr. 10, 2025.
With 67 countries regularly training, consulting, or operating together and NATO frameworks covering around one-quarter of the world’s population, the conference is a crucial platform to align efforts, address emerging challenges and chart the way forward to reinforce these essential partnerships.
The challenges we face – ranging from conventional threats to hybrid warfare, cyber-attacks, and global instability – demand that we stand together, leveraging our collective strengths and expertise
In his opening remarks, Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), General Markus Laubenthal outlined that national security does not just start and end at national borders and focused on the importance of deepening partnerships near and far. Discussing a broad range of initiatives, from the forthcoming opening of the NATO Liaison Office in Amman, Jordan and the broadened mission set of NATO Mission Iraq, he reinforced NATO’s focus on fostering greater stability and security in the Southern Neighbourhood, stating: "NATO's partnerships are built on common values, reciprocity, mutual benefit, and mutual respect, aiming to enhance Euro-Atlantic and international security, promote regional cooperation, and strengthen defence institutions. By standing together we are stronger and safer."
During opening remarks, Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, General Markus Laubenthal outlined that national security does not just start and end at national borders and focused on the importance of deepening partnerships near and far.- Photo by Qatar Armed Forces
Over 300 military representatives from 57 nations are in Doha, Qatar for the flagship partnership event, the NATO Military Strategic Partnership Conference 2025, which continues until Apr. 10th - Photo by Qatar Armed Forces
Representing the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces, the Deputy Chief of Defence, Staff Major General (Pilot) Ghanim Al Shawani, spoke of the value of the strategic nature of Qatar’s partnership with NATO - Photo by Qatar Armed Forces
Deputy Chief of Staff, Partnerships Directorate, Rear Admiral Gunnstein Bruåsdal reiterated that in today’s dynamic and complex security landscape, partnerships have never been more critical.
“The challenges we face – ranging from conventional threats to hybrid warfare, cyber-attacks, and global instability – demand that we stand together, leveraging our collective strengths and expertise,” Bruåsdal said. Adding, “The Military Strategic Partnerships Conference serves as a vital platform to exchange ideas and strengthen the bonds that form the foundation of our Alliance.”
Representing the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces, the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff Major General (Pilot) Ghanim Al Shawani, spoke of the value of the strategic nature of Qatar’s partnership with NATO and its enduring aims to work collectively to ensure global and regional peace and security, affirming: "Together we can flourish and challenge the difficulties that we face today in our world, taking into account that all threats and crisis are universal.”
During the four days of the conference, attendees will participate in discussion panels and gain deeper insights into how NATO’s three core tasks enhance and promote common (or shared) interests of international security, global peace, and cooperation: understanding the civil environment; involvement in NATO exercises, operations and missions; and collaboration on the scientific and technological challenges - such as cyber defence, counter-terrorism and maritime security – that face the world.