The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, marked the conclusion of the 28th annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Conference, co-hosted by Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jennie Carignan, and Admiral Samuel J. Paparo. Commander of U.S. Pacific Command.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Collective Security: Navigating Challenges in a Dynamic Indo-Pacific Landscape,” the conference brought together senior military leaders, practitioners and regional experts to discuss regional security issues, including non-defence and non-military perspectives. A total of 32 senior military representatives from 29 countries attended.
Over the course of the conference, participants exchanged views on the evolving regional security environment and identified opportunities to deepen practical collaboration among Allies and partners. Discussions focused on shared security challenges, interoperability, emerging technologies, and respect for international law. These exchanges strengthened relationships among defence leaders and reinforced the importance of sustained cooperation in addressing common challenges across the Indo-Pacific region.
As outlined in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada is committed to being a reliable and engaged defence partner in the region. Through Operation HORIZON, the Canadian Armed Forces maintain a persistent, meaningful presence in the region to promote peace and stability and support an international system based on international law. Through Operation NEON, Canada contributes to international efforts to monitor sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council against North Korea.
As a Pacific nation, Canada has an enduring interest in the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific. Co-hosting this year’s conference reflects Canada’s growing defence engagement in the region and our commitment to strengthening relationships with Allies and partners, advancing interoperability, and upholding the rules-based international order.
Quotes
“Canada is a Pacific nation, and our security and prosperity are closely connected to the security of the Indo-Pacific. Bringing defence leaders from across the region together in Victoria strengthens the relationships, trust and cooperation we need to respond to shared challenges. Canada will continue to work alongside our Allies and partners to advance a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific, grounded in international law.”
– The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“I was very pleased to co-host this year’s Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Conference and to welcome colleagues from across the region to Canada. The security challenges we face are increasingly complex, and no country can address them alone. The conference gave us an important opportunity to strengthen our relationships, learn from one another and identify how we can work even more closely together. This collaboration builds trust and understanding and makes us better prepared to face the challenges ahead.”
– General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff
Quick facts
- Held annually since 1998, the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Conference brings together senior military leaders from across the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability among Allies and partners.
- Canada has co-hosted this event once before, in 2017. That year’s conference was also held in Victoria.
