The Joint CBRN Defence COE hosted a visit by the Japanese Ambassador to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Hideo SUZUKI, on the 20 September 2021. He was accompanied by the Attaché, Mr. Naoyuki ITO . This was the first official visit by the Japanese Ambassador. The aim of this visit was to gain insight into the Joint CBRN Defence COE in Vyškov, Czech Republic in hopes of future collaboration and cooperation.

The Joint CBRN Defence COE director, Colonel (GS) David MARTÍNEK (CZE-A), accompanied by his chief of staff, Colonel William EPOLITO (USA-A), welcomed the Japanese Ambassador and Attaché to the Centre. This welcome was followed by a command briefing by the director, chief of staff, senior enlisted leader, SWO Kamil SESTAK (CZE-A), and department directors, COL Grzegorz SZYMANSKI (POL-A), COL Gaetan BOIREAU (FRA-A), LTC Radek TOMÁŠ (CZE-A). This briefing provided information on NATO COEs, in general, and an overview of the Centre’s history, mission, vision, structure, support to the Alliance and outreach efforts.

Figure 1 - Director of JCBRN Defence COE with Japanese Ambassador
Figure 1 - Director of JCBRN Defence COE with Japanese Ambassador
Figure 2 - Meeting -  Japanese Ambassador with COE participants
Figure 2 - Meeting - Japanese Ambassador with COE participants

The command brief was followed by a tour of Centre’s unique expertise, experience and capabilities to support operations including the CBRN reachback, modelling and simulation.

Figure 3 - H.E . Mr. Hideo SUZUKI
Figure 3 - H.E . Mr. Hideo SUZUKI
Figure 4 - Collective photo
Figure 4 - Collective photo

Finally, the Japanese Ambassador to the Czech Republic gave his high appreciation and gratefulness to this informative, very well organized and comprehensive event, and he is looking forward to meeting the Joint CBRN Defence COE director again in the near future.


Author: CPT Zuzana KRÁLÍKOVÁ (CZE-A)

Photos: LTC Pavel ŠEBESTA (CZE-A)