IDF Chief of Staff Visits Canadian Counterpart, Relations 'Growing'

The IDF Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz concluded his official visit to Canada on Friday. Gantz was greeted by his Canadian counterpart, General Walt Natynczyk, who emphasized the importance of strengthening security cooperation between the two countries. The CDS hosted Lt. Gen. Gantz for an official dinner, in which his deputy and other senior officers participated.

"Our relationship with the Israeli Defense Forces is growing. We will continue to build upon our friendship with practical initiatives of mutual benefit," said General Natynczyk.

The two met for an extended "one-on-one" meeting, during which they exchanged views on current security issues.

Following the meeting, the CDS conducted a roundtable panel with representatives from the Ministry of National Defense and senior officers from the Canadian military, during which Lt. Gen. Gantz gave a detailed brief regarding the current challenges in the Middle East, the radical elements which carry negative influence in the area, and the existing trends in light of the changes that several countries in the Middle East have faced over the past year.

The panel ended with a discussion on the current fields of cooperation between the Canadian military and defense establishment and the Israeli Defense Ministry and the IDF.

Since the March 2008 signing of the "Declaration of Intent" between the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness of Canada and the Ministry of Public Security of the Government of Israel, there has been an accelerated rapprochement between the Canadian and Israeli security establishments.

The 2008 agreement allows Canada and Israel to enhance cooperation in the areas of organized crime, emergency management, crime prevention, and other related public safety concerns.