Latvian Permanent and Military Representatives to NATO Visit JFC Brunssum

Brunssum, Netherlands - The Permanent Representative of Latvia to NATO, Ambassador Indulis Bērziņš, accompanied by the Latvian Military Representative, Major General Juris Zeibārts and Deputy Military Representative, Colonel Didzis Nestro, were hosted by the Commander JFC Brunssum (JFCBS), General Salvatore Farina, 21 October. The intent was to discuss the implementation of Warsaw Summit decisions and for Major General Zeibārts to pay an initial call on the JFCBS commander as he assumed his position in July 2016. During the meeting General Farina summarised the status of post-Warsaw initiatives undertaken by his headquarters articulating what remains to be done to enhance the effectiveness of Assurance Measures activities throughout his Area of Responsibility.

A round table discussion, led by the JFC Brunssum Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak, was included in the visit programme to provide a platform facilitating an exchange of views regarding the Assurance Measures and, in particular, the Alliance’s plans to bolster its presence in north-eastern Europe. Beginning in early 2017, this enhanced forward presence (eFP) will comprise multinational forces provided by framework nations and other contributing Allies on a voluntary, sustainable, and rotational basis. Briefings prompted discussion on the details of eFP, Graduated Response Planning and the participation of the Latvian National Armed Forces in common exercises with JFC Brunssum.

At the end of the meeting Ambassador Bērziņš expressed his conviction that JFC Brunssum is fully engaged in the implementation Warsaw Summit decisions. In his closing remarks he recognised that JFC Brunssum has been particularly proactive in the implementation of Assurance Measures and continues to be at the forefront of initiatives designed to sustain stability and security in north-eastern Europe.

Story by JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office