Brunssum, the Netherlands - 17 February, after several years, a meet and greet occurred between the city council of Brunssum and the AFNORTH International School and HQ JFC Brunssum.

Director AFNORTH International School (AIS) , Mrs Kathy Wood and her staff started the visit with a warm welcome at the AIS. Mrs Kathy Wood showcased to acting Mayor Gerd Leers, aldermen and members of the city council the work of AIS and how providing education supports the work of JFC Brunssum and our host nation. The city council received an overview of the unique opportunities which AIS offers to AFNORTH students and how AIS has become a global role model for other schools in terms of working collaboratively.

The meet and greet continued with a visit to HQ JFC Brunssum. After a concise overview of the HQ’s history, presented by Major Bart Bams (Protocol Office), the Commander of HQ JFC Brunssum, General Erhard Bühler, presented the commander’s brief. He informed the audience about NATO, the NATO command structure, JFC Brunssum’s mission, core tasks etc.

The visit was fruitful in bringing entities together. HQ JFC Brunssum will expand this relationship in the future.

It was one of the first follow up events after the signing of the Joint Declaration of Cooperation which was signed in September 2019. General Erhard Bühler and the Mayor of Brunssum, Mr. Gerd Leers agreed on the principles in this declaration that form the baseline of the future relationship between HQ JFC Brunssum and its host town Brunssum. The outcome will be better integration of the international JFCBS community into that of the host town for mutual benefit as understanding and friendships deepens.