NATO's Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre (JALLC) recently conducted a successful four-day Lessons Learned training course for military and civilian personnel from the Gulf region. Hosted by the NATO- Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) Regional Centre (NIRC) in Kuwait, the training course attracted 27 participants from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman and Saudi Arabia. The training was an important opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences about Lessons Learned.

The JALLC Advisory and Training Team delivered an intensive and tailor-made programme designed to enhance participants' understanding and implementation of the NATO Lessons Learned Capability, including how the NATO Lessons Learned Process and the NATO Lessons Learned Portal—NATO’s single tool for Lessons Learned related information—both work in practice. This NATO Lessons Learned Capability is essential for capturing experiences from operations and exercises and helps to ensure the continuous adaptation and improvement of the Alliance.

The NIRC Director, Mr. Mohammed Al-Oraifan from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underlined the growing importance of the NIRC Training Centre in leading regional efforts towards greater cooperation and security. He highlighted how such training strengthens ties between Gulf countries and NATO, paving the way for enhanced security cooperation.

Ms. Nora-Elise Beck, Head of the NATO Office at the NIRC, expressed her appreciation for the support of the JALLC: "We are very grateful for the support of the JALLC. The subject of lessons learned is very important and of interest to all ICI partner nations as well as GCC countries.” Her remarks underscored the value of the partnership between NATO and the Gulf States, which continues to develop through initiatives such as this training.

Launched at NATO's 2004 Istanbul Summit, the NATO Istanbul Cooperation Initiative aims to foster bilateral and multilateral security cooperation between NATO and partner countries in the Middle East.Currently, the initiative has four member countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.  . The NATO-ICI Regional Centre in Kuwait is not only open to ICI countries, but also to Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

By providing such training, the JALLC reinforces NATO's commitment to building capacity and promoting common security interests with its Gulf partners. This commitment reflects the importance of continued cooperation to address emerging security challenges in the region.

The success of the training in Kuwait underscores the JALLC's vital role in promoting awareness and understanding of the NATO Lessons Learned Capability and strengthening NATO's partnerships in key strategic regions such as the Middle East.

 

Photos credits: NATO