Oslo, Norway – In a resolute display of solidarity, NATO Foreign Ministers convened in Oslo at the invitation of Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss critical matters ahead of the highly anticipated Vilnius Summit. The meeting centered on reinforcing support for Ukraine, enhancing deterrence and defense, expanding partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, and affirming NATO’s backing for Sweden’s accession.
The Secretary General of @NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, has announced the deployment of 700 additional troops to Kosovo, along with increased readiness of forces. These measures are necessary to ensure that NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) can fulfill its UN mandate, and are being taken with… pic.twitter.com/zTNaEy4zIT
— Vudi Xhymshiti (@VudiXhymshiti) May 30, 2023
Secretary General Stoltenberg began by emphasizing the collective determination of NATO’s Allies to provide unwavering support for Ukraine. He reiterated that Ukraine’s path toward NATO membership remains on course and firmly stated that Moscow does not possess veto power over the enlargement process.
“It is essential that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign and independent nation,” declared Stoltenberg. “We cannot allow history to repeat itself, and thus we must establish frameworks that guarantee Ukrainian security post-conflict. The pattern of Russian aggression against Ukraine must come to a definitive halt.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced certain decisions on the eve of and during the summit in Vilnius that will help win the war against russia, — the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy Olena Moshenets.
More info:⬇️https://t.co/dUhiRO8hX8 pic.twitter.com/DniPbbmC1S
— Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine – Ukrainian Parliament (@ua_parliament) May 31, 2023
NATO 🇺🇦 Mr Stoltenberg noted that all Allies agree that Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance, and that “it’s not for Moscow to have a veto against NATO enlargement.” He added: “most importantly, all Allies agree that the most urgent and important task now is to ensure pic.twitter.com/EL4a2CKzhT
— Генеральний штаб ЗСУ (@GeneralStaffUA) June 1, 2023
The discussions in Oslo also revolved around bolstering deterrence and defense capabilities, building upon NATO’s significant adaptation since 2014. Recognizing the evolving security landscape, Secretary General Stoltenberg highlighted the necessity of increased defense spending among member states. He expressed his expectation that the Vilnius Summit would solidify a commitment that obligates member nations to allocate a minimum of 2% of their GDP for defense.
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“We must view the 2% threshold as a starting point, rather than a limit, for our obligations,” emphasized Stoltenberg. “Our collective defense hinges on our shared investment in security, and this commitment will serve as a baseline for our future endeavors.”
Furthermore, NATO Foreign Ministers deliberated on deepening partnerships with Indo-Pacific countries, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. Recognizing the significance of this region, the alliance aims to strengthen cooperation in addressing shared security challenges.
Stoltenberg also reaffirmed NATO’s strong support for Sweden’s accession to the alliance, emphasizing his forthcoming visit to Ankara to continue discussions and expedite the process.
“The addition of Sweden to NATO will bolster our collective security and contribute to stability in the Baltic Sea region,” stated Stoltenberg. “We remain committed to ensuring the swift accession of Sweden and will spare no effort to expedite this process.”
Home of the world’s second-longest coastline and hosts of #NATO’s cold weather operations centre of excellence.
As NATO Foreign Ministers meet in Oslo today, watch for 7️⃣ facts about 🇳🇴 Norway and NATO#ForMin ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/jnVQW5F5W8
— NATO (@NATO) June 1, 2023
As the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting concludes in Oslo, the alliance emerges with a clear message: unwavering support for Ukraine, enhanced deterrence and defense capabilities, expanded partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, and strong advocacy for Sweden’s accession. With a united front, NATO aims to fortify security, foster stability, and forge alliances in an ever-evolving global landscape.
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