Secretary General: Canada is a committed and capable NATO Ally
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg thanked Canada for its significant contributions to the Alliance during a visit to Ottawa on Monday (23 March 2015). “Canada is a committed Ally and a capable contributor to international security,” he said. Mr. Stoltenberg stressed that “Canada plays a major part in our decision-making and helps keep the vital bond between Europe and North America strong.”
In meetings with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Foreign Minister Rob Nicholson, and Defence Minister Jason Kenney, the Secretary General discussed the current security environment, and NATO’s adaptation to meet new challenges. The talks focused on the implications of Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine, as well as the spread of instability across the Middle East and North Africa. The leaders agreed that in these uncertain times, a strong and ready NATO remains essential for trans-Atlantic security. “We appreciate your quick decision to deploy forces, planes and ships to strengthen our collective defence in view of Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, as well as your contribution to the international anti-ISIL coalition,” the Secretary General told Prime Minister Harper.
Mr. Stoltenberg also paid tribute to Canada for deploying many forces and enduring major sacrifices as part of NATO’s ISAF operation in Afghanistan. He commended Canada for its continued financial assistance to the Afghan security forces.
The Secretary General also paid a visit to the Canadian War Museum. In the museum’s Memorial Hall, Mr. Stoltenberg laid a wreath at the Memorial and Headstone of the Unknown Soldier, in honour of all Canadian personnel who have served and fallen in the line of duty.