NR–12.025 - March 13, 2012
OTTAWA – The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Walt Natynczyk hosted his British counterpart, General Sir David Richards, for a four-day visit to Canada, during which they concluded a series of discussions. These discussions focused on finding ways to better align Canadian and British approaches to defence and security, as part of the implementation of the Canada-UK Joint Declaration signed last September by Prime Ministers Stephen Harper and David Cameron. In addition to these talks, the two Chiefs of Defence also spoke at the CDA Institute’s annual Conference on Defence and Security which was held at the Chateau Laurier in downtown Ottawa.
“It was a privilege to have General Sir David Richards and his wife Lady Caroline visit the Canadian Forces. Our countries have a very close relationship built upon a long-standing trust and partnership. We share many interests and concerns that are more easily handled together,” stated General Natynczyk. “During the visit we discussed a number of the issues facing our militaries, including mutual efforts in support of NATO in Afghanistan, the challenges of transformation during a period of fiscal restraint, and future opportunities for closer cooperation.”
”The relationship between the UK and Canada is deep and abiding. Forged from common ancestry, common ideals and common values we have fought shoulder to shoulder in the wars of the 20th Century and stood together in recent days too. I saw myself the courage of Canadian servicemen and women when I commanded ISAF,” said General Sir Richards. “Visiting Canada has reinforced the importance of this relationship to our shared futures and has allowed me to understand better the challenges Canada faces. On a personal level my wife, Caroline, and I have been touched by the kindness we have been shown. This has been a memorable visit and I look forward to returning.”
On September 22, 2011, Prime Ministers Harper and Cameron endorsed the “Canada - United Kingdom Joint Declaration: A Stronger Partnership for the 21st Century.” In this document, Canadian and British defence establishments were directed to continue to build their relationship to address the international security challenges facing both countries.
The defence relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom is based on strong historical ties and is fostered by close cooperation in international organizations including the United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), among others. Both countries place a high priority on defence and security cooperation, as has been highlighted by recent operations in Afghanistan and Libya.
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For more information about the “Canada - United Kingdom Joint Declaration: A Stronger Partnership for the 21st Century”, please visit the Website at the following link: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=4361
For more information about Canada-United Kingdom Defence Relations, please visit the Website at the following link: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=4100
For more information about the Office of the Chief of the Defence Staff, please visit his Website at:
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/ocds-bcemd/index-eng.asp
