Minister Sajjan concludes Trip in Middle East
News release
March 19, 2018, Ottawa, ON — National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Canada remains committed to a stable, democratic, and secure Iraq, which includes working with partners to defeat Daesh, countering violent extremism, and restoring regional security.
Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan recently returned from Iraq and Kuwait where he met with key officials, allies and Canadian military personnel to get an update on progress in the region. As the situation in Iraq continues to progress Canada is assessing how its military engagement in the region must also evolve to meet the changing needs. We have made significant progress over the past year and are now looking to transition to a more stable and secure Iraq.
As part of our pledge to the Global Coalition, the Canadian Armed Forces have extended our commitment to lead the Role 2 Medical Treatment Facility in Erbil, Iraq, until March 31, 2019. This extension is in response to a request from the United States.
Minister Sajjan met with troops deployed on Op IMPACT. The Minister also travelled to Kuwait where, in addition to meeting with Canadian military personnel, he met with LtGen Paul E. Funk II, Commander of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), which is a US-led international coalition set up by the US Central Command to coordinate military efforts against Daesh.
In Baghdad, the Minister met with his Iraqi counterpart, Erfan al-Hiyali where he emphasised Canada’s continued commitment to the Coalition against Daesh.
The Government of Iraq has reclaimed territory previously controlled by Daesh, but Daesh still remains a threat in the region. The Canadian Armed Forces have been examining different options for how it can be most effective in assisting the Government of Iraq and the Coalition in defeating Daesh.
This visit was also an opportunity to demonstrate support to Canadian military personnel and highlight the work they are doing in the region.
Quotes
“Canada continues to be committed to the long-term success of a peaceful Iraq. The information I gathered from my meetings with government officials and our troops has been significant in gaining a clearer understanding of the situation on the ground, which will help to better inform the transition to stabilization operations. I also had the chance to thank the brave women and men in uniform for their dedication and hard work in one of the most dangerous regions in the world.”
Minister of National Defence, Harjit S. Sajjan
Quick facts
-
The Minister also took the opportunity during his time in Iraq to recognize the work the Canadian Armed Forces are providing in support of NATO’s Training and Capacity-Building activity in Iraq (NTCB-I). There are approximately 20 personnel providing valuable explosive threat training to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) to help enhance the capacity of the ISF as they work towards defeating Daesh.
-
The CAF's mission helps set the conditions for the long-term success of regional partners by enabling their security forces to more effectively plan and execute military operations aimed at degrading and defeating Daesh and improving security and stability in the region.
-
Canada continues to contribute existing capabilities as part of the ongoing efforts to defeat Daesh, which includes:
- An Air Mobility Detachment comprised of a CC-150 Polaris aerial refueling aircraft and two CC-130J Hercules aircraft for tactical airlift;
- Tactical helicopters;
- A CAF-led Role 2 medical facility;
- Training, advising, and assisting Iraqi security forces;
- Support to the Global Coalition with highly-skilled personnel, including intelligence support; and
- Support to enhanced partner capacity through the NATO Training Capacity Building Iraq program.
Contacts
Byrne Furlong
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: byrne.furlong@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca