Country Flyer 2021 June SEPTEMBER Developing Practical Cooperation through BAHRAIN Science Bahrain is engaged with NATO and the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme through the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) Bahra in has been engaged with partnership framework, which was launched in 2004. At present, there NATO since the creation of the are no ongoing SPS activities with Bahrain. Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI), launched at the Istanbul THE SPS PROGRAMME IS OPEN TO ACTIVITIES WITH BAHRAIN Summit in 2004. The SPS Programme is open The NATO SPS Programme enables to all activities with Bahrain close collaboration on issues of in line with the political common interest to enhance the guidance from Allies security of NATO and partner nations established via the SPS Key by facilitating international efforts to Priorities and the Individual meet emerging security challenges, supporting NATO-led operations and Partnership and missions, and advancing early Cooperation Programme warning and forecasting for the (IPCP) between NATO and prevention of disasters and crises. the Kingdom of Bahrain. The current SPS Key Priorities include: THE ISTANBUL COOPERATION INITIATIVE . Counter-Terrorism; The Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) focuses on practical . Energy Security; . Cyber Defence; cooperation in areas where NATO can add value, notably in the . Defence against CBRN Agents; security field. Initially, six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council . Environmental Security; were invited to participate. To date, four of these – Bahrain, Qatar, . Security-related Advanced Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates – have joined. Saudi Arabia Technology; and Oman have also shown an interest in the Initiative. Based on the . Border and Port Security; principle of inclusiveness, the Initiative is however open to all . Human and Social Aspects of interested countries of the broader Middle East region who subscribe Security. to its aims and content, including the fight against terrorism and the Additionally, the SPS Programme proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. helps to promote regional security The ICI is a ‘two-way’ partnership, in which NATO seeks partners’ through scientific cooperation contribution for its success, through a regular consultation process, among partners. The Programme also helps to prepare interested where special emphasis is placed on practical cooperation. The SPS eligible nations for NATO Programme is an excellent basis for such practical and concrete membership. SPS activities often partnership activities. have a high public diplomacy value. www.nato.int/science .