President of the International Committee of the Red Cross visits NATO Headquarters
The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Peter Maurer, was welcomed to NATO Headquarters by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday (21 March 2018). The visit comes just over a year after the Secretary General’s historic first visit to ICRC Headquarters in Geneva. Wednesday’s meeting marked a continuation of regular dialogue between the leaders and touched on shared priorities for NATO and the ICRC, and the collaboration between the two organizations. President Maurer also addressed the North Atlantic Council.
During their meeting, the Secretary General underscored the value of the dialogue and cooperation that exists between NATO and the ICRC. He noted that consultations with the ICRC have been particularly valuable in the context of the development of NATO’s Policy on the Protection of Civilians and that the ICRC’s participation in NATO exercises and training events was also highly appreciated. The leaders agreed that the dialogue on humanitarian and operational issues between the two organizations was progressing well and would continue.
Addressing NATO Ambassadors at the North Atlantic Council meeting, President Maurer reiterated the importance to the ICRC of the humanitarian and operational dialogue with NATO. He continued by outlining ICRC priorities and challenges in the field, including in countries where NATO is also present, such as Afghanistan and Iraq.