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Kuwait plays strategic role with NATO, int'l coalition to overcome terrorism - official

Chief of the National Security Apparatus Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah during a NATO conference in Rome
Chief of the National Security Apparatus Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah during a NATO conference in Rome
ROME, Oct 14 (KUNA) -- Chief of the National Security Apparatus Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah on Friday emphasized Kuwait's strategic role in the cooperation with the coalition and the NATO to defeat terrorism and safeguard regional and world's security and stability.
Sheikh Thamer took part today in a NATO conference in Rome, together with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Italy's Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni at the NATO Defense College (NDC).
The conference, that tackled the NATO's cooperation with partners in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, was organized as part of the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the NATO Defense College's move to Rome and the 65th anniversary of its foundation.
"No doubt that our participation in the conference offers an opportunity for serious discussions on the dimensions of the cooperation between the NATO and partners in the region, and how this is of prior importance in light of the current regional conditions," Sheikh Thamer told KUNA.
Kuwait is attending the event as part of the efforts to promote cooperation with the NATO, within the framework of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative on one hand, and the NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue countries, represented by Jordan.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Thamer expected the NDC to open its first regional center, in Kuwait, in December, with attendance of the secretary general and ministers from member and partner states.
The center will be a basic addition, not only in terms of exchanging expertise, but also for sharing academic and intellectual knowledge of paramount importance, he said.
Joint studies between Kuwait's political and strategic researchers, university professors, and post-graduate students with partners from the NATO states, is likely to enrich expertise and vision, which will benefit Kuwait and the GCC as a whole, Sheikh Thamer said.
He stressed that inviting Kuwait to attend the event, and to listen to its views on the existing issues and challenges demonstrates the country's strategic status on the international scene, either in the partnership with the NATO or the international anti-terror coalition.
The NATO and the international coalition are working together for the same purpose, namely, stability in the "boiling" region and the world at large, he said. Cooperation within these international frameworks is the key for defeating terrorism.
In an opening statement to the conference, the NATO Secretary General appreciated the level of cooperation with partners in the Middle East, referring to the role by Kuwait, Jordan and the UAE.
He pointed to the role to be played by the would-be NDC center in Kuwait saying it would contribute to enhancing cooperation with the Gulf states.
Stoltenberg referred to Sheikh Thamer's efforts to achieve the initial step that will offer ground for high-profile cooperation. (end) mn.msa