‘Nobody can stand alone’: Nato parliamentary chief urges deeper Middle East partnerships

The chief of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly has urged for more robust partnerships between NATO and the Middle East to enhance security and learn from recent conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. Marcos Perestrello, the president of the assembly, stated that "nobody can stand alone" in today's world, necessitating stronger cooperation and partnerships with allies.

Speaking in Abu Dhabi, Perestrello emphasized that security in Europe and the Middle East are interlinked, with turmoil in one region having significant consequences for the other. He highlighted the UAE as a prime example of resilience, having defended its territory and population against Iranian aggression during the war. Lessons from both the Ukraine and Iran conflicts, despite their differences, have provided valuable insights into defense and warfare, particularly regarding the wide use of Iranian-designed Shahed drones.

Perestrello also advocated for strengthening the Istanbul Co-operation Initiative, a framework for NATO's engagement with Gulf partners, suggesting that the ongoing Iran war could serve as a strong incentive for its development and implementation. The NATO members and their Gulf partners discussed major projects on maritime security and counter-drone work at a recent summit in Ankara, aiming to bolster responses to threats faced by the Gulf region.

As the Iran conflict enters its ninth month with no foreseeable end, its repercussions extend beyond the Middle East, contributing to global energy crises and straining Europe's security. NATO members have pledged to allocate a minimum of 2% of their GDP to defense spending by 2035, a commitment that has been reaffirmed and is currently on track to be met.