Halifax, Nova Scotia – Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan (Sunday) concluded his visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia, from November 18 to 20, 2016, where he hosted the eighth Halifax International Security Forum (HISF). Each year, HISF brings the world to Canada and provides a unique opportunity to advance Canada’s defence and security objectives through frank and open discussions with Ministers of Defence, members of the U.S. Congress, representatives from academia and industry, and officials from allied and partner nations.
During the three-day event, Minister Sajjan highlighted the importance of this open dialogue, particularly as the world faces increasingly complex defence and security challenges. He reiterated Canada’s commitment to a comprehensive and coordinated approach to peace operations, noting that today’s threats are no longer contained within specific borders or between state actors.
On the margins of HISF, Minister Sajjan hosted a Defence Ministerial meeting, with guest speakers Hérve Ladsous, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping and Atul Khare, UN Under-Secretary-General for Field Support. He also held a number of bilateral meetings with officials from France, Kosovo, NATO, the Republic of Macedonia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and the United States. The Minister discussed mutual peace and security challenges and continued the dialogue on Canada’s re-engagement in United Nations’ peace operations.
Quick Facts
- The Halifax International Security Forum connected more than 300 defence leaders from across the world, including senior government and military officials, policymakers, opinion leaders, academics, media and members of the business community from like-minded nations.
- Discussions included defence challenges in Central and Eastern Europe, the ongoing instability in the Middle East, global terrorism, and UN peace operations, among many others.
Quote
“It was a pleasure to host the 2016 Halifax International Security Forum and meet with defence leaders from around the globe. In order to build effective peace and stability, we must stand together and work together. I look forward to working with Canada’s Allies and partners to do just that.”
Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan