173rd Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session
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The NATO Chiefs of Defence will meet on 20 and 21 May at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels for their second Military Committee meeting of 2015. General Knud Bartels, Chairman of the Military Committee will chair the two day meeting. The NATO Chiefs of Defence will discuss the Readiness Action Plan, the Resolute Support Mission, the Partnership Interoperability Initiative, Kosovo Force (KFOR), military cooperation with Ukraine and Georgia and military strategic guidance.
During the first day, the Chiefs of Defence will be updated on the progress with the implementation of the Readiness Action Plan and on the supporting Assurance Measures, ahead of discussions at the Defence Ministers’ meeting at the end of June. This session will be followed by a short Wreath-Laying ceremony to honour all the service men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in NATO-led Operations and Missions.
The afternoon sessions will focus on Partnerships, beginning with a session with Partner Nations participating in the Partnership Interoperability Initiative launched at the Wales Summit last year. The meeting will consist of discussions on Partner participation in NATO exercises, including the role exercises play in developing and maintaining Partner interoperability.
The subsequent session will see the NATO Chiefs of Defence meet in RESOLUTE SUPPORT Mission format, where they will be briefed on the Mission’s status and the development of the Enhanced Enduring Partnership framework with Afghanistan. The session on KFOR will allow the Chiefs of Defence to be updated on its progress and discuss the way ahead for KFOR.
With special partners Ukraine and Georgia, the Chiefs of Defence will receive briefings on the current security situations on the ground. With Ukraine, discussions will centre on NATO-Ukraine military cooperation and defence reform, while with Georgia, the Chiefs of Defence will exchange views on the implementation of the NATO-Georgia package of military-to-military activities.
Meetings on the second day will begin with a session on Military Strategy and on the risks and issues facing the Alliance, so that the Chiefs of Defence can provide further direction and guidance on key requirements in the run up to the Warsaw Summit next year.
Media Opportunities
Wednesday, 20 May 2015
07:30 - 07:45 Media Pool pick up in the NATO Press Area
08:00 - 08:10 173rd Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session - Opening remarks by General Knud Bartels, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee
Thursday, 21 May 2015
13:45 - 14:45 Joint Press Conference in the Luns Theatre with General Knud Bartels, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee (CMC), General Philip M. Breedlove, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR) and General Jean-Paul Paloméros, Supreme Allied Commander, Transformation (SACT)
Imagery
Photos and video of all opening sessions will be available online at www.nato.int/ims shortly after each meeting. The Joint Press Conference will be made available on the NATO website after the event, on request by broadcasters through EBU and after the event by contacting content@natochannel.tv
Accreditation
Media representatives holding a valid 2015 NATO Media pass will have access as usual to the NATO HQ. Media representatives not in possession of a 2015 NATO Media pass and wishing to attend the media opportunities available are invited to contact the NATO IMS Public Affairs Office via email or fax (ronaynecasimiro.lara@hq.nato.int, fax number + 32 2 707 5713) with a completed accreditation form no later than 1200 noon on 19 May 2015.
Media passes will not be mailed to applicants; they must be collected in person upon presentation of an ID card or passport and a valid national press pass (or accreditation letter from a recognized media organization). Media representatives will be given their accreditation at the Main Entrance of NATO Headquarters. Passes must be worn visibly at all times, and security personnel may ask to see another form of ID at any time. Media representatives are informed that security personnel will examine and may test equipment and personal effects carried onto the site and are advised to arrive with sufficient lead time to clear security checks.
Enquiries
Point of contact for the Military Committee meetings:
Ms. Elizabeth Steenson
Tel: +32 2 707 5422
GSM: +32 475 757523
Email: Steenson.elizabeth@hq.nato.int
General press arrangements:
Ms. Lara Ronayne-Casimiro
Tel: +32 2 707 5423
Email: ronaynecasimiro.lara@hq.nato.int