Jens Stoltenberg, the Nato secretary general, said today during their meeting this week the alliance’s foreign ministers “will discuss urgent security issues”.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg gives a press conference before the organisation’s foreign ministers meeting at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, on November 27, 2023. Photograph: Simon Wohlfahrt/AFP/Getty Images
We face the most dangerous world in decades: growing global competition, war in Ukraine and renewed conflict in the Middle East.
Addressing the situation in Israel and Gaza, the Nato chief said he welcomes the release of hostages and delivery of humanitarian aid.
I call for an extension of the pause. This would allow for much-needed relief to the people of Gaza and the release of more hostages. The suffering we have seen underlines the need for a lasting political solution.
Stoltenberg also cautioned about the situation in the broader region.
We have seen drone and rocket strikes on US positions in Syria and Iraq, as well as attacks on commercial shipping. This underlines the risk of escalation. Iran must reign in its proxies.
The secretary general said Nato ministers will discuss “Russia’s de-stabilising actions in Ukraine and beyond”.
In recent weeks, Moscow has been facilitating the arrival of migrants at Finland’s border with Russia, prompting the closure of border crossing points, using migration to put pressure on a neighbour and a Nato ally. Nato stands in solidarity with our ally Finland.
Allies this week will also discuss China, Stoltenberg noted.
Dialogue is important, and we must seek opportunities to work together on a range of issues, including climate and arms control. China is not an adversary, but Beijing’s actions challenge our security and we must work together to respond.
And, he said, ministers will address the situation in the Western Balkans.
We have seen serious violence in northern Kosovo, divisive and secessionist rhetoric in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and malign attempts to sow dissent, including from Russia.
Nato has already added extra troops in Kosovo and is “examining” a more enduring increase, the secretary-general said.
Speaking of Ukraine, Stoltenberg stressed:
Ukraine continues to fight bravely, we continue to support them.
He also reiterated that Sweden has delivered on what it promised and it’s time for Turkey to sign off on the country’s NATO bid.
Categories: Asia, Europe, Europe and Australia, European Union, War