The Chief of Defence Staff of Canada participates in meetings of the Military Committee of NATO

The General Tom Lawson, Chief of Defence Staff, participated for the first time last week with NATO counterparts at a meeting of NATO's Military Committee in Brussels, Belgium. The meeting allowed the leaders of the defense of allies and NATO partners to discuss a number of important issues relating to the alliance.

"" This meeting of the Military Committee has been for me an excellent opportunity to meet colleagues from NATO, many for the first time since my appointment as Chief of Defence Staff of Canada. Our discussions were productive and instructive. We've covered a number of complex issues, ranging from NATO missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo until NATO transformation in progress "," Lawson said General . "" It is essential to maintain these important relationships and continue to work with our allies and NATO partners. I hope to have the opportunity to work with them in the years to come "."

The conference focused on the ongoing transformation and reform efforts of NATO, updates on current operations of NATO and the strengthening of relations with NATO military partners. Were also present at the meeting Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, General Jean-Paul Paloméros, Supreme Allied Commander - Transformation and General John R. Allen, commander of NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) of NATO.


Apart from its participation in the conference of the NATO Military Committee, General Lawson has also met with the staff of the Canadian Forces stationed at NATO headquarters in Brussels, as well as Ambassador Yves Brodeur, Permanent Representative of Canada the North Atlantic Council of NATO.

The Military Committee of NATO plays a key role in the lessons learned during the missions of the alliance and ensuring that Allied forces are interoperable, modern, versatile and able to intervene when their help is needed.