SHAHEEN JOINS WORLD LEADERS AT HALIFAX INTERNATIONAL SECURITY FORUM

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined a bipartisan Congressional delegation led by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Mark Udall (D-CO) at the Halifax International Security Forum over the weekend in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Shaheen, the Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs, discussed a wide range of global security issues with international leaders, business executives, and academics from across the globe. She also participated on a panel discussion titled “Smart Security in the Age of Less” to discuss how the United States could strengthen its national defense in a fiscally responsible way.

“At a time when our nation and the international community face a host of complex security challenges – from global economic uncertainty to threats of nuclear terrorism – it is important for us to come together to discuss potential strategies,” said Shaheen. “The Halifax Forum is an excellent opportunity to work with our allies and partners from around the globe to find constructive solutions to our most pressing world problems.”

In remarks at her panel discussion, Shaheen emphasized the importance of Congress agreeing to a comprehensive deficit reduction plan that would help calm uncertain international markets. She also said it was incumbent upon our NATO allies to do their part in funding joint defense operations.

Shaheen also led a roundtable discussion with Canadian and American business leaders from various sectors of the economy. The dialogue, hosted by the Canadian American Business Council, focused on the economic benefits of increased trade between Canada and the United States and how a more robust, cooperative relationship could help create jobs on both sides of the border.

“New Hampshire has a long history of working with our Canadian neighbors on a variety of issues,” Shaheen said. “Building and expanding trade relationships would provide economic benefits for both countries and allow our businesses to compete both at home and around the globe.”

The Halifax International Security Forum, hosted by the German Marshall Fund in cooperation with the Government of Canada, is a major international conference on regional and global security held in North America. Over two days, global leaders in politics, government, business, academia, and media participated in an interactive debate and intellectual exchange on pressing strategic issues. The forum participants focused on a variety of policy areas, including Afghanistan, Libya, Iran, defense spending, and nuclear non-proliferation.