NATO Chiefs of Defence discussed the Resolute Support Mission, cooperation with Mediterranean Dialogue partners and NATO’s adaptation
Over the course of the day, the Chiefs of Defence met to review the RESOLUTE SUPPORT Mission in Afghanistan and to discuss NATO’s future strategy, posture and adaptation. They also exchanged views on regional security developments and military-to-military cooperation with their Mediterranean Dialogue Partners.
The one-day meeting allowed for the NATO Chiefs of Defence to address and debate issues of contemporary strategic importance to the Alliance ahead of the forthcoming Defence Ministers’ meeting in February. "These frank discussions will provide additional guidance for the months ahead, in light of the challenging security environment and the fast approaching Warsaw Summit in July", General Pavel, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, emphasised during his press conference.
During the RESOLUTE SUPPORT Session, the 28 Chiefs of Defence took the opportunity to commend and stress their continued support to the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF), review ongoing challenges and lay the groundwork for the way ahead in 2016. General Pavel noted that “2015 was a challenging year for the ANDSF, however they have demonstrated resilience and courage in combating the insurgency across the country. The Chiefs of Defence recommended to pursue the ongoing efforts based on conditions on the ground, thus assuring Afghanistan of our long-term commitment.”
The discussions with the Mediterranean partners enabled the NATO Allied Chiefs of Defence to gain first hand insight into the regional security challenges and assess the progress of ongoing cooperation, including Defence Capacity Building. “It is important to gain a better regional understanding and situational awareness, but we also need to further enhance practical military cooperation tailored to the individual needs of the Nations and of NATO”, the Chairman highlighted.
NATO’s future strategy, posture and adaptation were key topics for the NATO Chiefs of Defence (CHOD). The 28 CHoDs welcomed the progress of the implementation of the Readiness Action Plan and then focused on NATO’s continued military adaptation. “The military advice provided today drew on the strength of NATO’s unity, capabilities and responsiveness and focused on the essential measures required to further reinforce NATO’s Collective Defence,” concluded General Pavel.