NR-11.120 - October 21, 2011
Ottawa - The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Walt Natynczyk, today concluded a visit to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he and the Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer, Chief Petty Officer First Class Bob Cléroux, participated in United States Pacific Command’s 14th Annual Chiefs of Defense conference. The purpose of the conference is to provide a forum for discussing multilateral approaches to maritime security in the Asia-Pacific, and to allow the attendees to conduct multi and bilateral military discussions.
“It’s essential the leaders of the world’s military forces meet face-to-face to build relationships and to foster open dialogue on issues of mutual security and defence,” said General Natynczyk. “This conference is a very important annual opportunity where we connect with a number of our Asia-Pacific military partners and allies in one location. By building trust and understanding each other, we can work cooperatively to improve the security of the Asia-Pacific region, and better respond to humanitarian crises when they arise.”
The 14th Annual Chiefs of Defense Conference was hosted by Admiral Robert Willard, the Commander of United States Pacific Command. Senior military leaders from 27 Pacific Rim nations attended, including representatives from Russia, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, and Chile. Topics of discussion included Multilateral Maritime Security Cooperation; Lessons Learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake; Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HA/DR) from a Multilateral Perspective; and China’s Perspective on Maritime Security.
The Canadian Forces regularly engage in good-will visits, military exchange programs, joint training exercises and deployed operations with a host of its Asia-Pacific allies and partners. Given the longstanding cultural and economic ties between Canada and Pacific Rim countries, the Pacific Chiefs of Defense Conference is an important opportunity for the Canadian Forces to support the whole of government approach to trade, security, and political engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.
-30-
