When our neighbours are more stable, we are more secure. Therefore Allies seek to contribute to the efforts of the international community in projecting stability and strengthening security outside NATO territory. One of the means to do so is through cooperation and partnerships. Over more than 25 years, the Alliance has developed a network of partnerships with non-member countries from the Euro-Atlantic area, the Mediterranean and the Gulf region, and other partners across the globe. NATO pursues dialogue and practical cooperation with these nations on a wide range of political and security-related issues. The Partnership Directorate at Mons, Belgium with its two subdirectorates for Civil Military Coorperation and Military Coorperation, all subordinate to Allied Command Operations, is the central coordinating body for this task.