Muscat: Maj. Gen Hamid Ahmed Sakroon, Chairman of the Academy for Strategic and Defence Studies, welcomed a delegation from the Centre for Defense Higher Studies (CASD) in Italy at his office in Bait Al Falaj Garrison. The Italian delegation was led by Lt. Gen. Stefano Mannino, President of the Centre for Higher Defence Studies, who is currently on a visit to Oman.

According to Oman News Agency, discussions during the meeting focused on mutual interests, especially regarding academic cooperation. A significant outcome of this visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in academic and scientific fields. This MoU was inked by Maj. Gen Hamid Ahmed Sakroon and Lt. Gen. Stefano Mannino, signifying a strengthening of ties between the two institutions.

The signing ceremony and meeting were attended by several senior officers from the Academy of Strategic and Defense Studies. In conjunction with the meeting, the Italian delegation toured the National Defence College (NDC) located at the Academy for Strategic and Defence Studies in Bait Al Falaj Garrison. They were received by Rear Admiral Ali Abdullah Al Shidi, the Commandant of the NDC, who provided insights into the college’s facilities and strategic curricula aimed at developing national competencies for strategic decision-making.

In addition, the visiting delegation explored the Joint Command and Staff College (CSC) at the Academy. The Acting Commandant of the CSC briefed them on the college’s curriculum and facilities, further demonstrating the academy’s comprehensive approach to defense education.