In focus: NATO turns 75, pivotal Brussels meeting today, deepening focus on Mena

International military alliance NATO’s 32 members are set to discuss the possible appointment of the grouping’s first special representative to the southern neighbourhood as it seeks to bolster relations with the Middle East, North Africa and Sahel regions.

Chaired by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s foreign affairs ministers are meeting at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, today and on Thursday to discuss more than 100 recommendations made by a panel of independent experts.

Stoltenberg had requested the report last year. The meeting is expected to be dominated by the raging Russian invasion of Ukraine ahead of the next NATO Summit in July in the US as the crucial alliance celebrates its 75th anniversary.

NATO eyes expansion of missions in pivotal Mena region

NATO considers deepening relations with Mena as a matter of urgency. Western diplomats said they feel the need to highlight their narrative on Ukraine war which has been weakened by Russian disinformation campaigns and accusations of double standards over Gaza.

The alliance’s hub for Mena is located in Naples, Italy. Roughly 60 individuals are based in the location, a fraction of the total number of employees. There have been reports that the global grouping is considering opening an office in Jordan – a notable first in the Arab world.

Highlighting the importance of a special representative for the South for some countries, a senior NATO diplomat said: “It’s about staffing and engaging funding for more projects in the South in defence and advising missions.”

Some more information:

Currently, there are three special representatives reporting to the Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg:

– Thomas Goffus, special co-ordinator for counter-terrorism

– Javier Colomina Piriz, special representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia

– Irene Fellin, special representative for women, peace and security

For NATO Brussels meeting’s Media Programme, click here.

For more updates on the event, click on the official X account link here.