FOU, Alm.del - 2011-12 - Bilag 37: Orientering fra forsvarsministermødet d. 15.-16/11-11 i Sverige, fra forsvarsministeren

The Nordic Defence CooperationThe Nordic ministers met today on 15 November and have confirmedtheir commitment to the Nordic cooperation as a broad, flexible andeffective cooperation.In a European setting of Economic instability and reduced defencebudgets in many countries, Nordic countries expressed a will toenhance our cooperation even further. The Nordic defencecooperation has already proven to produce tangible results bothpolitically as well in practical terms.- We have underlined the need for continued Engagement of KeyLeaders on political level as well as in our National Armed Forces inorder to uphold and further develop our cooperation.- We have had valuable discussions on Pooling & Sharing ofcapabilities. Through Nordic cooperation we see opportunities toincrease our operational capability, cut costs and achieve improvedsustainability. It is our strong conviction that an enhanced and morefocused cooperation will bring gains for the Nordic region and willincrease our abilities to act within an international or regionalframework.- The Ministers took stock of the important Nordic cooperation on thesupport for capacity building of the Eastern African Standby Forces.The significance of providing African partners with military capacitiesthat make it possible to handle own security challenges was stressed.The ministers expressed their continued support to this endeavour.The ministers have discussed gender issues in military operations. In2012 a centre of competence on gender in military operations will belaunched in Sweden.

The ministers have also discussed veteran soldier issues based on asurvey conducted this year. The ministers agreed on the intention toestablish a common ground for future work, in order to furtherexplore the potential for cooperation on concrete veteran issues.The Nordic countries have suffered tragic losses in operations abroad.- We express our deepest respect for and honour the fallen soldierswho have risked their lives in support of peace and security. We offerour condolences to the families of these soldiers and we extend ourgratitude to all veterans for their personal commitment to the securityof our respective nations.Enhanced Nordic Cooperation AfghanistanThe ministers agreed that it is important to continue to contributewith support to and training of the Afghan security forces, therebyenabling a continued transition of responsibility of security in ourAreas of Responsibility.- We all share the view that there has been considerable progress bythe Afghan security forces together with ISAF forces in several areas ofthe country which has weakened the opposing forces and theirresistance. Despite positive signals on improved security the situationin Afghanistan remains serious.- We have agreed to continue to study the possibilities for astrengthened and deepened Nordic cooperation in Afghanistan.Cooperation on Tactical Air TransportThe ministers have agreed to explore possibilities for cooperation ontactical air transport. The need for strategic, operational and tacticalmobility has become increasingly decisive for the efficient use ofmilitary means. Our defence forces contains fewer, but more advancedunits that needs quick transportation to where they are best needed,whether that is nationally or abroad. Furthermore, tactical airtransport is a crucial asset in support for humanitarian operations.The ministers believe that cooperation on tactical air transport couldincrease operational effectiveness, ensure economic efficiency andsustainability.- The ministerial and military structures within NORDEFCO aretasked to explore a wide range of possibilities for cooperation. Themain countries for the study will be Denmark, Norway and Swedenwho today operate the C-130 system. However, close cooperation withFinland and Iceland with their existing capabilities will also be studied.