21 May 2016

Chief of Defence Force Attends Nato Heads of Defence Meeting

The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General (LTGEN) Tim Keating, has attended a constructive meeting of NATO Chiefs of Defence in Belgium.

The meeting was a chance to engage with NATO on issues of concern to the organisation, and look at the way ahead for continued engagement by New Zealand.

“The meeting was an excellent chance to reinforce and strengthen existing relationships between the NZDF and other NATO members and partners. NATO is extremely important to global security, and our Defence Force personnel often find themselves alongside NATO counterparts,” LTGEN Keating said.

“While New Zealand is not a member of NATO, a number of our most important defence partners are. Given the size and number of member countries, with shared values and outlooks, the partnership with NATO is a key one for the NZDF.”

While in Belgium, LTGEN Keating also met with his Belgian counterpart, General Gerard van Caelenberge, and conducted calls on officials at the European Union.

While in the United Kingdom, he had a bilateral programme that included a meeting with the outgoing UK Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton and his successor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach.

In addition, LTGEN Keating also took part in commemorative events related to Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday celebrations.

ENDS

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