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In addition to its formal partnerships1, NATO cooperates with a range of countries that are not part of these structures. Referred to as Contact Countries, they typically share similar strategic concerns and key Alliance values. Australia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand are all examples of Contact Countries.
These countries have expressed an interest in deepening relations with NATO, or simply wish to be informed of NATO’s agenda. Some are troop contributors to NATO-led operations or contribute to these operations in another way. Others simply seek to cooperate with NATO in areas of common interest.
At the NATO Riga Summit in November 2006, NATO pledged to increase the operational relevance of relations with interested Contact Countries; and in particular to strengthen NATO’s ability to work with those current and potential contributors to NATO operations which share NATO’s interests and values.
NATO has been cooperating with countries which are not formal Partner countries since the 1990s. For example, a political dialogue with Japan began in 1990, and Argentina and Chile contributed forces to NATO’s missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
However, the recent Alliance involvement in areas outside of its traditional region – including Afghanistan and Darfur - has increased the need and the opportunities for enhanced interaction with Contact Countries. Similarly, the convergence of strategic priorities between Allies and certain Contact Countries, such as countering terrorism, has led particular Countries to seek greater cooperation with NATO.
The Allies established a set of general guidelines on relations with Contact Countries in 1998. The guidelines do not allow for a formal institutionalisation of relations, but reflect the Allies’ desire to increase cooperation. Following extensive debate, the term Contact Countries was agreed by the Allies in 2004.
he Riga Summit of November 2006 gave new impetus to NATO’s cooperation with its formal Partners as well as Contact Countries. Following the Riga Summit, the Allies are in discussions over individual, tailored cooperative packages with Contact Countries. A list of activities offered by NATO will form the basis of practical cooperation.
Cooperative activities range from joint exercises and joint operations, through to language training and advice, and information exchange. In the Riga Summit declaration, the Allies pledged to open up for consideration the practical partnership tools currently available to EAPC Partners to interested Contact Countries, on a case-by-case basis.
Individual Contact Countries choose the areas they wish to be engaged with NATO, and the extent of this cooperation. Any inclusion of Contact Countries in Alliance activities requires approval of the North Atlantic Council, NATO’s principal decision-making body, except in certain cases. Cooperation with Contact Countries should be mutually beneficial and reciprocal.
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