On 25th February, General Tom Middendorp, the Netherlands Chief of Defence, visited the NATO Strategic Communication Centre of Excellence (StratCom COE). He was accompanied by the Netherlands Ambassador H.E. Henk van den Dool, Latvian Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Raimonds Graube, Colonel Peter Kemna, Commander Jos Rozenburg and Major Mirjam den Heijer.
The Deputy Director of the Centre, Colonel Aivar Jaeski briefed the delegation about the mission and projects implemented by the NATO StratCom COE, discussed issues of regional and international security and possible future cooperation of the Government of the Netherlands with the work of the Centre.
In addition to speaking to the Deputy Director during his visit to Latvia, General Middendorp met with Raimonds Vējonis, Minister of Defence and LTG Raimonds Graube, Chief of Defence of the Republic of Latvia. He also visited Ādaži Military Camp.
The Chief of Defence (CHOD) holds the highest military position in a Defence organisation. In this capacity, he is the most senior military adviser to the Minister of Defence. On behalf of the minister, he is responsible for preparing and executing military operations carried out by the Netherlands Armed Forces. General Tom Middendorp was appointed Chief of Defence on 28th June 2012.