Successful Conclusion to the Halifax International Security Forum

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - Nov. 7, 2010) - The three-day Halifax International Security Forum concluded its final sessions today. The event brought together some of the world's most prominent defence and security experts for open discussions on key issues facing the international community. The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, declared the second annual Halifax International Security Forum a success.

"I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to meet with a number of my counterparts from around the world to discuss many issues of mutual interest. These discussions will go a long way in strengthening Canada's relationships with its allies and global partners," declared Minister MacKay. "This Forum has quickly become one of the premier annual events where the world meets to discuss issues pertaining to global security and defence."

Halifax was an ideal location for this venue given Nova Scotia's rich military history and current celebrations surrounding the Canadian Naval Centennial and Remembrance Week. This year's event featured discussions on forward defence, protecting the public, state building, NATO, cyber security, nuclear weapons, and global governance.

Canada's partner in the Halifax International Security Forum is the German Marshall Fund (GMF). Founded in 1972 through a gift from Germany as a permanent memorial to Marshall Plan assistance which helped Europe recover from the Second World War, GMF is a non-partisan public policy and grant-making institution dedicated to promoting greater cooperation between North America and Europe.