OSLO, Norway – Chiefs of Defense from eleven northern European countries gathered today in Oslo to discuss a variety of topics at the 2018 Northern European Chief of Defense Conference. The main focus of the conference was deterring Russian aggression.

General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, commander U.S. European Command, was the senior U.S. military official who attended the conference, which was hosted by the Norwegian Chief of Defense, Admiral Haakon BruunHanssen.

The two leaders opened the conference by highlighting their mutual appreciation for one another’s collaboration and the benefits of partnering to address the regional challenges faced today.

“The United States and Norway have a long history of cooperation and we value your partnership,” Scaparrotti said. “We’re pleased to be here today and to work so closely with you.”

The objective of the conference was to facilitate an open and candid dialogue to enhance cooperation among the northern European countries in support of enduring stability and peace during a period of emerging challenges.

Presentations from both U.S. and Norway leaders helped facilitate the discussion among the group. Topics focused on how nations can work more closely together to address disinformation and Russian malign influence, cyber threats and critical infrastructure protection, future military deployments and exercises in the region.

“We must be resolute and adaptable as we work together as a team to maintain our momentum,” Scaparrotti said.

Conference participants represented Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the United States.

U.S. European Command is one of two U.S. forward-deployed geographic combatant commands whose area of focus spans across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. The command is comprised of more than 60,000 military and civilian personnel and is responsible for U.S. defense operations, relations with NATO and 51 countries.