Media Release

12 May 2017

CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE TO ATTEND EU CHIEFS OF DEFENCE MEETING

The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating, leaves this weekend for a visit to Europe that will include participation in a meeting of European Union (EU) Chiefs of Defence and a call on his Irish counterpart.

“This is a good chance for me to receive an update on the current issues facing the armed forces of the EU, as well as broader international security developments,” said LTGEN Keating.

“I would like to see the New Zealand Defence Force’s relationship with the EU militaries maintained and advanced, and these visits are valuable in achieving that objective.”

“Our relationship with the EU helps us to advance our awareness of key global security challenges, and reinforce our commitment to a strong, rules-based international order.”

While in London, LTGEN Keating will call on His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, to discuss New Zealand Defence Force matters in his capacity as Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal New Zealand Navy, Field Marshal of the New Zealand Army and Marshal of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. These titles were bestowed on His Royal Highness in 2015.

LTGEN Keating will also meet staff at the New Zealand High Commission in London, and meet his counterpart in Ireland, Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett.

“This visit is a chance to reaffirm the bilateral defence relationship with Ireland following a meeting I had with Vice Admiral Mellett when I was in Europe in January. It will be an opportunity to get the Irish perspective on defence challenges facing Europe.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media