The Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada Visited Canadian Military Personnel in Kuwait and Iraq

OTTAWA, Jan. 21, 2019 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, visited with members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deployed in Kuwait and Iraq as part of Operation IMPACT, from January 18 to 21, 2019.

Accompanied by General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff, the Governor General was able to show her support for and witness the work being done by the troops. She also met with Major‑General Dany Fortin, Commander of NATO Mission Iraq, Mr. Paul Gibbard, Ambassador of Canada to Iraq, and Mr. Louis-Pierre Émond, Ambassador of Canada to Kuwait.

"Canada contributes to helping bring peace and stability to Iraq and the region. The hundreds of men and women deployed with the CAF's Operation IMPACT, in Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar and Lebanon, help improve the security structures, training and  professionalism of the Iraqi forces, and contribute to the fight against terrorism," said the Governor General. "They are away from home, working for Canada and for a better world. They make us immensely proud."

The Governor General also had the opportunity to meet with His Highness Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait and Commander of the Kuwaiti Military Forces, and with His Excellency Barham Salih, President of Iraq.

The visit served as a reminder of Canada's deep commitment to international peace and security and to the fight against terrorism, both at home and abroad.

Additional facts:

• Operation IMPACT is mainly a training, assistance and advising mission. The efforts of the CAF in support of the global coalition against Daesh are increasing the capacity of Iraqi security forces. The CAF contribution has several dimensions, including working with regional partners to help make the region more stable and secure.
• Understanding the sacrifice and commitment that comes with serving our country, the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada regularly visits military establishments across the country and abroad.
• In January 2018, the Governor General met with Canadian military personnel deployed as part of Operation UNIFIER in Ukraine and Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia. She has also visited military personnel across the country, including 5^th Canadian Division Support Base (5 CDSB) Gagetown, 12 Wing Shearwater, CFB Esquimalt, CFB 17 Wing Winnipeg, CFB 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Joint Task Force (North) and 5 Wing Goose Bay.

Media wishing to obtain more information or photos of the visit can contact
the Rideau Hall Press Office.

SOURCE Governor General of Canada

For further information: Natalie Babin Dufresne, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-993-8158, 343-548-1865 (mobile), [e-mail]; Ashlee Smith, Press Secretary to the Governor General, 613-993-0439, 343-548-1857 (mobile), [e-mail]

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