On 18th – 21st of March 2025, representatives of the Armed Forces Academy of GEN M. R. Štefánik (SVK AFA) participated in the Military Strategic Partnership Conference in Doha, Qatar. The event, organized by the Strategic Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense of Qatar and the PfP Consortium, was aimed at deepening strategic cooperation between NATO and partner countries of Middle East, Central Asia and Africa.

During the conference, SVK AFA presented its capabilities in the field of education of future officers, international courses and partnerships with the Alliance. Special emphasis was placed on cooperation with the Swedish training institution SWEDINT, with which the SVK AFA develops joint professional activities in the field of further education and DH LANDOPS.

The SVK AFA delegation participated in a fruitful discussion with the Swedish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Tobias Lorentzon, and partners from SWEDINT, together with the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Azerbaijan, Milan Lajčiak. The discussion focused on the possibilities of cooperation in the field of military education not only within NATO, but also with partner countries such as Azerbaijan.

During the week, discussions were held with representatives of several partner countries, mainly regarding the possibilities of professional education of officers and NCOs from partner countries in international courses executed by the International Courses Department of SVK AFA and about possible delivery of mobile education and training teams (METT). Discussions with representatives of SHAPE, which supports education in international courses, and with representatives of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), as the largest educational institution of the Alliance, were also beneficial for further internation education development at the SVK AFA.

The conference agenda included, among others, the topics of strategic partnerships, the development of defense capabilities in partner countries, regional security, and the role of educational institutions in promoting peace and stability. The participation of SVK AFA at this prestigious event confirms its active role in the international security environment and contributes to strengthening defense capacities in cooperation with NATO and Partners.