On 15 February 2023, the NATO Defense College (NDC) welcomed a visiting delegation from the Joint Staff College (JSC) of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces led by the Joint Staff College Commandant, Vice-Admiral Tatsuya Futakawa.
The aim of the visit was to gain a deeper understanding of the role and mission of the NDC, to deliver a briefing on the security issues of Japan, and to attend a briefing about the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Upon arrival, the NDC Commandant, Lieutenant-General Olivier Rittimann, welcomed the visiting delegation, and Vice-Admiral Tatsuya Futakawa signed the Guest Book. Afterwards, the delegation attended a welcome coffee with the NDC Commandant, the NDC Dean, Dr Christopher M. Schnaubelt, and NDC Division Heads.
The visit proceeded with a briefing delivered by the Japanese Joint Staff College delegation to the NDC leadership and Division Heads, focusing on the security and defence issues of concern to Japan. The NDC Commandant then briefed the visitors on the mission, main activities and structure of the NATO Defense College. Next, Dr Marc Ozawa, NDC Senior Researcher, delivered a lecture focused on the Russia-Ukraine war. All the briefings were followed by very thorough and engaging Q&A sessions. The visit concluded with a gift exchange between the NDC Commandant and the Commandant of the Joint Staff College.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Sofia Carvalheiro, PRT C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN