BRUSSELS —
The highest-ranking U.S. military officer arrived here yesterday for discussions with NATO allies on Afghanistan, the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and regional challenges facing the alliance.
Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is here to attend the Jan. 21 NATO Military Committee/Chiefs of Staff meeting. Navy Capt. Gregory Hicks, the chairman’s special assistant for public affairs, said Dunford will take opportunities during his visit to "reaffirm the U.S. commitment to NATO and the importance of unity of the alliance."
During the one-day meeting, Dunford will discuss the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, the counter-ISIL campaign, regional security challenges posed by Russia and the surge of refugees in Europe, Hicks said.
The meeting will host Mediterranean Dialogue counterparts on the topic of security developments in the region and military-to-military cooperation.
According to the agenda, the final sessions of the day will focus on NATO’s future strategy and the consensus-based military advice and guidance that will be given to the North Atlantic Council and Defense Ministers in the run-up to the NATO Summit in Warsaw later this year.
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