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Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany visits the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Centre of Excellence

Hoyo de Manzanares, (Madrid)
October 21, 2021
  • The Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Centre of Excellence (C-IED CoE) is one of 26 NATO Accredited Centers of Excellence
  • Germany is one of the 12 nations represented and sponsor of the C-IED CoE, of which Spain is the host nation

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kingdom of Spain, Wolfgang Dold, has visited the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Centre of Excellence (C-IED CoE), located at the Academy of Engineers Base in Hoyo de Manzanares, Madrid.

During his visit he was accompanied by the Defence Attaché of the German Embassy, Colonel Harald Wegener. Upon his arrival at the C-IED CoE he was received by its Director, the Spanish Army Infantry Colonel Jose Antonio Cruz Moro and greeted the CoE staff, including representatives of the 12 nations participating in it.

Subsequently, the Director explained to the Ambassador the characteristics of the C-IED fight, the tasks and organization of the CoE, as well as the Centre's research projects and collaboration procedures, in which the Ambassador showed interest.

Ambassador Dold expressed during the Director's explanation the importance of continuing the commitment to the C-IED fight, even though NATO's missions abroad have been reduced, taking the focus of information away from the casualties caused by IEDs as their effect on NATO's own troops is reduced.

After the explanation, the Ambassador signed the C-IED CoE's Book of Honour and visited the facilities.

Finally, the Ambassador had a meeting with the German contingent of the Centre and the German student present at the Attack the Networks Operational course (AtNOC), which is taking place during this week.

IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

The Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Centre of Excellence (C-IED CoE), is one of the 26 NATO Accredited Centers of Excellence, and is located in the town of Hoyo de Manzanares, Madrid.

Its mission is to provide expert support to NATO, NATO partners and the International Community in the fight against the IED System in order to increase the security of deployed troops by reducing or eliminating the IED threat, especially from terrorist and insurgent networks.

It was offered by Spain to NATO as part of its network of Centres of Excellence and accredited by the Alliance in November 2010.

The Centre is currently staffed by personnel from the 12 sponsoring nations: Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, USA, France, Greece, Hungary, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and Turkey. Germany has been a participating nation in the CoE since its inception and contributes two Officers to its structure.

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