NATO Secretary General Outlines Plan To Increase Presence In Black Sea Through Ukraine And Georgia
On November 30th, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg gave a press conference, prior to the Allied Foreign Ministers meeting.
Ministers will discuss the NATO 2030 initiative and the continued adaptation of the Alliance, Russia’s military build-up, the rise of China, and NATO’s mission in Afghanistan.
Jens Stoltenberg outlined that NATO has supported the US and other allies throughout the years, and also pointed attention to the New START which is running out in February 2021, and it is in limbo.
He also said that the Black Sea region needs addressing.
“Good afternoon.
NATO Foreign Ministers will meet over the next two days to address key issues. We will discuss the NATO 2030 project and the continued adaptation of our Alliance. As well as Russia’s military build-up. The rise of China.
And our mission in Afghanistan. We went into Afghanistan to support the United States after the 9/11 attacks. And to ensure that the country is never again a platform for international terrorists to attack our homelands. We have been there for almost two decades. And the country has come a long way. We now see an historic opportunity for peace. It is fragile, but it must be seized.
As part of the peace process, we have adjusted our presence. The United States has recently decided to further reduce its troop numbers. But NATO’s training mission continues, with over half of the forces from European Allies and partner nations. No one wants to stay in Afghanistan longer than necessary. In the months ahead, we will continue to assess our presence based on conditions on the ground. We face a difficult dilemma.
Whether to leave, and risk that Afghanistan becomes once again a safe haven for international terrorists. Or stay, and risk a longer mission, with renewed violence.
Whatever path we choose, it is important that we do so together, in a coordinated and deliberate way.
Ministers will also address Russia’s military build-up around the Alliance.
Russia is modernising its nuclear arsenal and fielding new missiles. It is deploying more forces in our neighbourhood, from the High North to Syria and Libya.
We also see an increased Russian presence as a result of the crises in Belarus and Nagorno-Karabakh. So, Ministers will discuss what more we should do to respond to Russia’s growing military activity.
And to maintain the arms control regime. Including limitations on nuclear warheads, as the New START treaty is due to expire next February. We will also be joined by the Foreign Ministers of Georgia and Ukraine in a separate session. To address the security situation in the Black Sea region. And our support for these two valued partners.”
NATO Secretary General Outlines Plan To Increase Presence In Black Sea Through Ukraine And Georgia