7 Oct. 2002

Top Alliance military official visits North America General Harald Kujat, Chairman of NATO's Military Committee, will travel to the United States and Canada from 7 to 10 October to discuss key issues on NATO's military agenda with senior officials. Improving the Alliance's military capabilities, reforming its command structure and the creation of a NATO rapid response force, proposed by the United States, will be the main issues discussed. The visit is part of ongoing preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Prague, 21-22 November. At the Summit, Heads of State and Government of the 19 NATO member countries will decide on the Alliance's future roles and capabilities. The Military Committee is the highest military decision-making authority in NATO, assisting and advising NATO's civilian authorities on military matters. Additional information: Website of NATO's International Military Staff IMS Press Advisory: NATO's Chairman of the Military Committee visits USA and Canada - 7 October 2002