OSLO, Norway -- Chiefs of defense from 11 northern European
countries gathered here today to discuss a variety of topics at the 2018
Northern European Chief of Defense Conference.
The main focus of the conference was deterring Russian
aggression, U.S. European Command officials said.
Army Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, the Eucom commander, was
the senior U.S. military official who attended the conference, which was hosted
by Adm. Haakon Bruun-Hanssen, the Norwegian chief of defense.
The two leaders opened the conference by highlighting their
mutual appreciation for one another’s collaboration and the benefits of
partnering to address the regional challenges faced today.
“The United States and Norway have a long history of
cooperation, and we value your partnership,” Scaparrotti said. “We’re pleased
to be here today and to work so closely with you.”
Enhancing Cooperation
The objective of the conference was to facilitate an open
and candid dialogue to enhance cooperation among the northern European countries
in support of enduring stability and peace during a period of emerging
challenges.
Presentations from both U.S. and Norwegian leaders helped to
facilitate the discussion among the group. Topics focused on how nations can
work more closely together to address disinformation and Russian malign
influence, cyber threats and critical infrastructure protection, future
military deployments and exercises in the region.
“We must be resolute and adaptable as we work together as a
team to maintain our momentum,” Scaparrotti said.
Conference participants represented Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the
United States.