On 7 May 2013, a delegation from the NATO Defense College (NDC) visited the War College (Escola Superior de Guerra, ESG) in Rio de Janeiro. This visit was planned in the context of the Conference and High-Level Academic Roundtable meetings on Brazil-NATO/European Union relations, due to take place on 8 and 9 May.
The delegation was headed by Lt Gen Arne Bård Dalhaug, Royal Norwegian Army, Commandant of the NDC, and the representative from the NATO Headquarters, Maj Gen Carlos Branco, Director of the Cooperation and Regional Security Division of the International Military Staff.
Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Lt Gen Stefan Egon Gracza, Deputy Commandant of the Escola Superior de Guerra.
During the visit, a short presentation on the mission and duties of the War College was provided by Brigadier General João César Zambão da Silva, who explained the education on offer at the Escola Superior de Guerra; later on, Brig. Gen. Desjardins (FRA, F), Director of Academic Operation Division at the NATO Defense College, briefed the Faculty of the War College on the NDC organization, academic operations and education. The NDC delegation had the opportunity to participate in a lively Question-and-Answer session, exchanging experiences and opinions. Moreover, the staff of both institutions had talks on potential cooperation, examining in depth the academic details of courses offered to officers from other South American countries.
Last appointment of the day was an interesting lecture provided by Lt Gen Dalhaug, addressed to the War College Faculty and course members.
This was followed by a Q&A session, in which the students quizzed the NDC Commandant, the Director of the NDC Research Division Dr Karl-Heinz Kamp and Maj Gen Branco from the NATO HQ on issues pertaining to international security and NATO.
The Escola Superior de Guerra was founded in 1949, institutionalized as an Institute of Policy, Strategy and Defence Studies and integrated into the Ministry of Defence. As a leading centre for studies and research, its activities are dedicated to strengthening the knowledge required to deal with high-level command functions within National Defence, including aspects linked to security and development.
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