Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Jaroslav Nad’, paid a visit to the Joint Force Training Centre (JFTC) on 9 July. The guest met with Major General Adam Joks, JFTC Commander, the Centre’s key staff and also with commanders of NATO units located in Bydgoszcz. Minister Nad’ was accompanied by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic, His Excellency Mr Andrej Droba.

During his short, yet very intensive visit, the Minister was introduced to JFTC, its mission, structure and tasks. JFTC leaders presented the Centre’s past and current activities, including recently executed CWIX 2020 exercise and also plans for the future. Briefings focused also on other NATO units located in Bydgoszcz: NATO Military Police Centre of Excellence, NATO Force Integration Unit Poland, 3rd NATO Signal Battalion and NATO Communications and Information Agency CIS Support Unit Bydgoszcz. The guests received a broad overview and better understanding of how JFTC and other NATO units in Bydgoszcz operate. Another important part of Minister Nad’s visit was a meeting with Slovak soldiers serving in Bydgoszcz.

Cooperation between all NATO members is a key to maintain fast and sustainable development of the Alliance and Slovakia has been an important part of various NATO training events and exercises – also those conducted by JFTC. Additionally, Slovak soldiers serving at JFTC provide strong support to the Alliance. Discussions between the Slovak Minister of Defence and JFTC Commander focused on earlier experience and possible ways of future cooperation – also in the area of warfare development and innovation that are key to success in preparing the Alliance for new challenges.