On Thursday (19 October 2023), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with a group of independent Allied experts to discuss NATO's approach to its southern neighbourhood - particularly the Middle East, North Africa and Sahel regions.
The group met with senior civilian and military officials at NATO Headquarters to discuss the Alliance's southern neighbourhood, including emerging challenges and opportunities. The group will take stock of evolving developments and identify concrete recommendations to shape the Alliance's future approach, including by outlining opportunities for further engagement and cooperation with partner nations, international organisations and other relevant actors.
Established in early October, the group is composed of eleven experts, chaired by Professor Ana Santos Pinto from Portugal. They will report back to the Secretary General ahead of the meeting of Foreign Ministers in April 2024.
