On April 23, 2025, the Stratbase Institute, in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in the Philippines, hosted a closed-door seminar entitled, “A Vision for NATO and the Indo-Pacific: Addressing Shared Challenges and Seizing Opportunities”. This was held at the Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. The seminar coincided with the visit of BGen. Gjermund Eide, Former Military Advisor to the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Senior Advisor for Kruse Larsen. 

The Indo-Pacific is experiencing a complex and evolving security landscape, marked by traditional geopolitical tensions and asymmetric security challenges. Addressing these issues require sustained diplomatic engagement, adherence to international law, and robust multilateral cooperation to ensure regional stability. 

NATO’s relationship with the Indo-Pacific has been evolving in recent years, reflecting the alliance’s recognition of the region’s growing strategic importance. Both the NATO’s mandate and geopolitical situation poses both potential limitations and challenges to its engagement in the region. 

Meanwhile, the Philippines is reinforcing its security relationships with regional and non-regional partners. Given the Philippines’ strategic importance in the region, NATO has a vested interest in how the country manages the increasingly complex regional security landscape.