Director General of the NATO International Military Staff travels to New Zealand and Australia

Director General of the NATO International Military Staff (DGIMS), Lieutenant General Jan Broeks started his official visit to New Zealand with a meeting with Air-Vice Marshal Short, Deputy Chief of Defence and Mr Lynch, Deputy Secretary of Defence. Discussions centred on New Zealand and NATO’s increased dialogue and cooperation, the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan to train, advise and assist the Afghan Security Forces and institutions, as well as regional and global threats and challenges. “New Zealand consistently contributes to the defence of our shared values of democracy and protect the rule of law. Your contribution is always highly regarded and valued by the Alliance”, stressed the Director General.

While at the Pukeahu National War Memorial, Lieutenant General Jan Broeks laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior during The Last Post Ceremony. “It is a privilege to pay my respects and honour those men and women who have lost their lives serving their country”, said Lieutenant General Broeks.

After landing in Canberra, Lieutenant General Broeks headed to Bungendore to meet Vice-Admiral David Johnston, Chief of Joint Operations whose role is to plan, control and conduct Australian military campaigns, operations, joint exercises and other activities. Lieutenant General Broeks acknowledged that “NATO and Australia are ideal partners because we are united by a common vision and common values.  We can learn from each other, share best practices, develop common standards, and reinforce each other’s efforts for our shared security”.

At the Australian Defence Department, Lieutenant General Broeks and Major General Gilmore, Head of the Military Strategic Commitments Division, discussed current security challenges and the benefits of working together to find global solutions to shared threats.

In his meeting with Air Chief Marshal Binskin, Australian Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Broeks took the opportunity to thank Australia for its continued commitment to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. Lieutenant General Broeks stressed that “our partnership goes far beyond Afghanistan. In this globalised world, there are other common challenges we face – such as terrorism, piracy and cyber attacks. And the more we cooperate to tackle them, the more we will all benefit”.

After a tour of the Australian War Memorial, DGIMS toured the Commemorative Area. Lieutenant General Broeks Major General Peter Gilmore and Major General Gavin Reynolds, Military Representative to NATO and the EU, paid their respects and laid a wreath at the base of the Pool of Reflection in honour of all the Australian fallen who have given their lives in service, protecting freedom, peace and security. 

Lieutenant General Broeks ended his trip to Australia with a visit to Fleet Base East Fleet Headquarters and HMS Canberra.