28-29 Jan. 2004

Secretary General visits Canada News 28/01/2004 - NATO NATO Secretary General to visit Canada Opinions 27/01/2004 - NATO Statement by Secretary General on attack against ISAF soldiers Background NATO in Afghanistan Links International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Photo Canadian Forces Combat Camera NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer began his welcome tour of NATO and partner countries with a visit to Ottawa from 28 to 29 January. Traditionally, a new Secretary General visits all NATO and partner countries at the beginning of his term of office. These trips provide him with an opportunity to consult with government leaders on key issues and outline his priorities. During the visit, the Mr. de Hoop Scheffer met with Foreign Minister Bill Graham and Defence Minister David Pratt. Their talks focused on the situation in Afghanistan, where NATO is leading an international peacekeeping force, ISAF, to which Canada is currently the largest troop contributor. The Secretary General’s visit followed a deadly suicide attack against ISAF troops, in which one Canadian soldier was killed. Mr. de Hoop Scheffer said the Alliance will not be deterred by such violence and that these attacks underlined the need go on fighting terrorism in Afghanistan. He also said that the Alliance is currently finalizing plans for an expansion of the peacekeeping force to cover larger parts of the country. The Secretary General praised Canada’s long track record of contributing to international peace and stability operations. He welcomed the ongoing review of Canada’s defence and foreign policy, saying that he hoped it would result in an increase in spending on key military capabilities and an active role for Canada in the world.