Hanane Djoua
Doha
In an era marked by complex geopolitical challenges, Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering international cooperation during the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) Policy Advisory Group Meeting held in Doha on Monday.
The event, which commemorated the 20th anniversary of the ICI, served as a vital platform for addressing pressing global security concerns and strengthening partnerships between NATO and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnadunderscored the moral imperative of international partnerships in her keynote address.
"As we reflect on the events unfolding in our world today, we recognize that international partnerships are not merely an option we turn to in times of crisis,” she said. "Rather, they represent the essence of our shared humanity and a moral obligation that demands we raise collectively to achieve them,” Al Misnad said.
She emphasized that cooperation and partnership remain the only viable pathways to resolving the wars and humanitarian crises gripping regions such as Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan.
She highlighted the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative as a testament to the principles of joint action and collective will, which underpin the pursuit of human security and dignity in an interconnected world.
Qatar’s longstanding commitment to global peace and security was a central theme of the discussions.
Al Misnad pointed to Qatar’s active participation in NATO-led initiatives, including hosting NATO’s annual conference on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in 2015—the first such event held outside Europe. She also noted Qatar’s distinction as the only ICI member to have successfully completed all phases of NATO’s Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) programme.
"Over the years, relations between the State of Qatar and NATO member states have witnessed tangible progress,” she remarked, highlighting Qatar’s pivotal role in enhancing cooperation between the two sides.
Al Misnad also called for a unified international approach to address the cascading effects of global conflicts, including irregular migration, displacement, and the proliferation of terrorism and organized crime.
"Today, we need to confront the challenges with resilience and decisiveness — not only through security forces but by empowering the strength of thought and countering chaos through the promotion of justice, peace, and human compassion,” she added.
Javier Colomina, NATO’s first Special Representative for the Southern Neighborhood, outlined the Alliance’s strategic priorities under the Southern Neighbourhood Action Plan, adopted earlier this year at the NATO Summit in Washington. He emphasized the interconnected nature of global security and the need for robust collaboration with Gulf partners, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
"Now, more than ever, we understand that security is global,” Colomina said. "The Gulf, the Middle East and North Africa, and the Atlantic area share many concerns, including terrorism, hybrid threats, and disruptive technologies. Therefore, we see numerous opportunities for cooperation on issues of mutual interest.”
Colomina highlighted NATO’s strengthened presence in the Gulf region through its Regional Center in Kuwait, which has played a key role in capacity building and training for GCC states since 2017. He also announced plans to establish NATO’s first liaison office in Jordan to deepen engagement with regional partners.
Colomina praised Qatar for its proactive contributions to NATO initiatives, citing the certification of Qatar’s Air Force 101 Squadron as fully NATO-interoperable on December 1—the first such achievement in the region. Qatar also hosted the Venice Air Force Symposium, further cementing its role as a strategic partner.
"Every one of our ICI partners has tailored its cooperation with NATO to align with national priorities,” he said. "Qatar has consistently demonstrated its leadership, particularly in advancing military interoperability and fostering dialogue on security challenges.”
The meeting concluded with a call for collective action to address shared global challenges.
Both Al Misnad and Colomina stressed the need for holistic approaches that go beyond military solutions to include societal awareness, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights.
As the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative celebrates its 20th anniversary, Qatar’s leadership and NATO’s commitment to the region reaffirm the enduring value of partnership in achieving peace and security for all.