A+ A-

NATO ships in Kuwait part of Istanbul Cooperation Initiative

KUWAIT, Nov 4 (KUNA) -- Vessels of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are in Kuwait's Shuwaikh Port Tuesday, part of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, and are to start a first of its kind training mission which lasts for six days.
The vessels were greeted upon arrival by the NATO southern command chief, who is on a several-day visit to the country, during which he is to meet a host of military officials.
The ships are to engage in drills and activities alongside forces from signatories of the Istanbul initiative; Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE.
Kuwait was the first state to sign the initiative in 2004 and had since actively took part in motivating cooperation between the NATO and states interested in regional security. The state also hosted several NATO and initiative activities.
The initiative aims to provide the Middle East countries with mechanisms for practical security cooperation with NATO to help maintain regional and international security on the long run.(end) yms.aa.wsa KUNA 041016 Nov 08NNNN