The NATO Regional Centre, in collaboration with the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, has initiated a specialized training course titled “Joint Standardized Training in Contemporary Maritime Interdiction Operations.” This program commenced on Sunday and includes 22 trainees from Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Emad Al-Kandari, an advisor to the NATO Regional Centre, noted that the five-day course is being conducted by a team of Greek experts from NATO’s Maritime Interdiction Operations Directorate.
Leading the course is Rear Admiral Pericles Pepis, Commander of the NATO Maritime Security Operations Training Centre. Al-Kandari highlighted that this is the second iteration of the course, emphasizing its importance in enhancing participants’ skills in various aspects of maritime security, including counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and the protection of maritime infrastructure and shipping routes.
The training aligns with efforts to bolster cooperation between NATO and member states of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. Al-Kandari mentioned that the Centre will unveil its work plan for 2026 soon. Rear Admiral Pepis underscored the significance of ongoing collaboration, which enhances coordination among NATO member states and Initiative partners, fostering the exchange of expertise in maritime navigation protection.
