Kurdistan Regional Government
Representation in Italy
High Representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq Dr. Rezan Kader attended the 58th General Assembly of the ATA – Atlantic Treaty Association held at the NATO Defense College within the Cecchignola Military City in Rome.
The ATA is an officially recognized body of NATO and is composed of the Atlantic Associations of each member country of the Alliance. The opening ceremony of the General Assembly took place today, attended by the Italian Foreign Minister, Giulio Terzi di S. Agata; the Minister of Defense, Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola; and his Albanian counterpart, Minister Arben Imami; the President of the Italian Atlantic Committee, Honorable Professor Enrico La Loggia; the President of the Atlantic Treaty Association, Honorable Karl A. Lamers; the Secretary General of the Italian Atlantic Committee, Dr. Fabrizio W. Luciolli; the Permanent Representative of Italy to the North Atlantic Council, Ambassador Gabriele Checchia; and many others from the worlds of politics, diplomacy, the military, academia, communications, and research.
The 58th General Assembly, “NATO and the future of Cooperative Security”, aims to offer a political and scientific contribution to promote an effective approach to security in the Euro-Atlantic region, facilitate meetings between decision-makers and representatives of study and research centres in NATO and partner countries (with particular reference to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East), and promote solidarity among the peoples of the Atlantic area, Central and South-Eastern Europe, and the Caucasus and Black Sea areas.
A unanimous and shared voice emerged from the day: that of building an Alliance open to change, ready to face future challenges with the full support of EU member states, and capable of maintaining a sustainable defense in the face of cuts imposed by the austerity climate that has affected most countries internationally. Solidarity, cohesion, and cooperation are the paths to follow for NATO to integrate "into a new era," supported by EU countries with the aim of engaging emerging forces such as Brazil, China, and Africa.
Dr. Kader had the opportunity to discuss issues of security, defense, and international stability with the numerous authorities present, drawing inspiration from the universal values of peaceful dialogue and cooperation, defended and enshrined in NATO and the United Nations Charter.
Furthermore, Dr. Kader emphasized the importance of recognizing the Kurdish genocide, ahead of the 25th anniversary of its commemoration, which will take place next March in Iraqi Kurdistan. The same authorities expressed their full support to Dr. Kader to ensure that this crime is never again perpetrated.
Today concluded with a gala dinner at Villa Madama, where Dr. Kader served as keynote speaker. Dr. Kader thanked the representatives of the Italian Atlantic Committee for offering me the opportunity to speak to such a prestigious audience on behalf of the Kurdish people, the Presidency, and the Government of the Kurdistan Region, about fundamental values such as dialogue, religious coexistence, tolerance, and civil coexistence, as a means of peacefully resolving any dispute.
Finally, the High Representative complimented the organization of the youth programs undertaken, expressing her hope that they can be implemented together in Kurdistan as well. President La Loggia, President Lamers, and Dr. Luciolli greatly appreciated Dr. Kader's words, sharing the values she enunciated and reiterating that the Kurdish people will find new brothers in NATO.