Canada’s sudden shift in its military strategy in the battle against ISIS did not appear to trouble the United States defence chief.
In his meeting today with Canadian Minister of Defence Harjit Sajjan, U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter expressed gratitude for Canada’s decision to step up its training mission in Iraq.
Carter and Sajjan met for the first time today at the NATO defence ministers’ conference in Brussels. Their meeting occurred two days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canadian CF-fighter jets will be winding down their airstrike mission against ISIS forces in Iraq and Syria by February 22 and that Canadian forces will transition to a “training and assisting mission” in the region.
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“He (Carter) thanked the minister for Canada’s announcement to triple their training mission in northern Iraq, double intelligence efforts, as well as expand humanitarian and development contributions,” a press release from the U.S. defence department said. “…Both reiterated the unbreakable bonds between the two countries and the importance of longstanding military ties between the United States and Canada.”
The two defence chiefs also discussed how Canada will continue to contribute to the air campaign by conducting refuelling and aerial surveillance operations, the release said. Both officials agreed that the Afghan security forces have made progress, but they will need additional support.
A press release for the Minister of National Defence’s office said Sajjan committed to working with Carter on a “number of areas of mutual interest” and “reaffirmed Canada’s commitment as a key Global Coalition partner to address the ongoing crises in Iraq and Syria.
Sajjan used the occasion to outline details of Canada’s “refocused” military strategy,” which Trudeau announced on February 8.
