21 Feb. 2006

NATO Secretary General visits Italy News 21/02/2006 - NATO NATO Secretary General to visit Italy Opinion Speech by the Secretary General Background NATO Defense College Key links Web site of the NATO Defense College NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer visited Rome on 21 February to mark the 40th anniversary of NATO’s Defense College in the city, and for meetings with the country’s leadership. Speaking at the anniversary ceremony, the Secretary General praised the work of the College in delivering officials and officers capable of dealing with 21st century threats. “Not only because of its well-designed curriculum, the quality and dedication of its staff, or its modern premises,” Mr. De Hoop Scheffer said in his speech, “But also because it creates lasting friendships among officers and civilians from all across and even beyond the Euro-Atlantic area.” Established in 1951, the NATO Defense College moved to Rome in 1966. It offers strategic-level courses on politico-military issues designed to prepare selected personnel for NATO and NATO-related appointments. Meetings with top officials During his visit to Rome, the Secretary General also met with Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini, Defence Minister Antonio Martino and the President of the Senate, Professor Marcello Pera. The meetings focused on the Alliance’s political agenda ahead of the November Summit meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government in Riga.