Ambassadors and Operation Commanders from the Netherlands and Chile Visits to EUFOR Headquarters

Written by Lt Cdr Stuart Cantellow

Major General Bernhard Bair, the Commander of EUFOR welcomed Major General Tom Middendorp, the Kingdom of the Netherlands Operation Commander and Major General Miguel Farias, the Director of International Operations Joint Staff of the Republic of Chile to Camp Butmir on 27th September 2011.

In an Office Call, COM EUFOR briefed the Generals about EUFOR’s role as the military component of the overarching European Security and Defence Policy mission in BiH. They discussed a wide range of issues including the training provided by EUFOR to the Armed Forces of BiH.

COM EUFOR thanked the Generals for their countries ongoing support to Op Althea.
Netherlands and Chilean soldiers perform a number of functions within EUFOR including HQ staff posts, manning Liaison Observation Team houses.

On completion of the office call the Generals were the Guests of Honour at a joint Netherlands and Chilean Operation Althea Medal Parade and Evening Reception.  Other dignitaries at the parade included the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands His Excellency Mr. Sweder van Voorst tot Voorst and Ambassador of the Republic of Chile His Excellency Rodrigo Nieto.