Minister Sajjan Concludes Successful Meeting with Major Force Contributors to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS

News release

December 6, 2018, Ottawa, ON — National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, Minister Sajjan concluded a productive morning meeting with the major force contributors to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, co-hosted alongside the United States Secretary of Defense, James N. Mattis.

This meeting provided a valuable opportunity to share the latest updates regarding the Coalition’s ongoing military operations against Daesh in Iraq and Syria, and to take stock of recent progress in the region. Additionally, discussions also focused on the tasks and challenges ahead for the Coalition in adapting to ensure conditions are set for the lasting defeat of Daesh.

During the meeting, Minister Sajjan reiterated that Canada remains fully committed to working with our Coalition allies. Canada’s whole-of-government approach incorporates military efforts alongside diplomatic, humanitarian and development ones. This includes enhancing institutional capacity of Iraqi security forces to fight terrorism, as well as stabilize and secure areas liberated from Daesh.

Canada’s military has consistently contributed to multinational operations to deter terrorism, defend human rights, and act as a force for good in the world. To this end, Canada is committed to working hand-in-hand with our Coalition partners to counter violent extremism and help restore peace and security to Iraq and the surrounding region.

Additional multimedia

Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan and United States Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis co-hosted a meeting of the top 13 military contributing nations to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS on December 6, in Ottawa.
Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan and United States Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis co-hosted a meeting of the top 13 military contributing nations to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS on December 6, in Ottawa.

Quotes

“Today, we reaffirmed our focus on the enduring defeat of ISIS’s own network of foreign terrorist fighters, financing and propaganda. Moving forward, the Coalition’s continued collaboration and partnership remains crucial, and the strategic advice and direction provided during this morning’s meeting will be essential in shaping our next steps toward winning this fight.”

Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan

Quick facts

  • Established in September 2014, the global coalition consists of 79 members including 74 nations and five organizations, including NATO.

  • Operation IMPACT is the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) contribution to the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Under Operation IMPACT, the CAF conducts air operations, provides training, advice, and assistance to Iraqi security forces, provides capacity building capabilities to regional forces, and supports the global coalition with highly skilled personnel.

  • In July 2018, Prime Minister Trudeau announced Canada will assume the command of a new NATO training and capacity building mission in Iraq for one year, starting in November 2018. This leadership role will complement Canada’s existing efforts in the global coalition and Canada’s ongoing commitments towards creating a safe and stable Iraq.

  • NATO Mission Iraq will see the deployment of CAF personnel and resources to provide training to Iraqi security forces and help Iraq build a more effective national security structure. Canada has committed to providing up to 250 troops and up to three Griffon helicopters.

Associated links

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

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