How NATO Plans to Strengthen European Defence
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with EU Defence Ministers in Bratislava last week to discuss stronger cooperation between the European Union (EU) and NATO, and shared security challenges.
He stressed the importance of implementing the Joint NATO-EU Declaration, signed in the margins of the Warsaw Summit, which gives new substance to the partnership between NATO and the EU.
Mr. Stoltenberg also welcomed renewed discussions on strengthening European defence. He highlighted that there is no contradiction between strong European defence and a strong NATO, noting that both are mutually reinforcing.
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He added that it is important to avoid duplication and ensure that the dialogue between both organisations is transparent and open.
Speaking on the situation in Syria, the Secretary General condemned the brutal attacks on Aleppo and stressed that a diplomatic solution for Syria is critical.
“I join the international calls on Russia to show credible efforts to restore the cessation of hostilities, to allow humanitarian aid into Aleppo, and to create the conditions necessary for UN-led transition talks to resume,” he said.
Photo courtesy: NATO
