NATO Deputy Secretary General spoke on the importance of partnership with Colombia
NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană spoke on Thursday 3 December at the Concordia Americas Summit on the importance of having global partnerships with countries like Colombia, to counter common challenges such as pandemics, terrorism or climate change.
The Deputy Secretary General said that NATO seeks a more global approach because the challenges we face, such as the rise of China, have also become increasingly global. He thanked Colombia for cooperating in cyber, maritime, terrorism and in the fight against corruption.
Mr. Geoană said partnerships with countries like Colombia are mutually beneficial: the Alliance is sharing its expertise in areas such as cyber or fighting pandemics but also learns a lot from its partners. As an example he brought out the International Demining Centre in Colombia that helps to train people from NATO nations and partners in demining.
Colombia is NATO’s first partner in Latin America, and NATO has been working together with Colombia since 2013. Since 2017 NATO and Colombia have cooperated under the framework of an Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme.
The 5th Concordia Americas Summit brought together political leaders, business innovators, global non-governmental representatives, and young minds to tackle the toughest issues and the biggest opportunities facing the Western Hemisphere.