NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg considers Georgia and Ukraine “two close partners” of the alliance in the Black Sea region.
We have to remember that three of our member states are littoral states to the Black Sea: Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. And then we have two close partners, Ukraine and Georgia, who are also Black Sea countries”, Stoltenberg stated.
So we are also working closely with them, helping them, working with them, exercising with them”, he added.
Jens Stoltenberg made the remarks at a news briefing with Prime Minister of Romania Ludovic Orban on January 9. Phpto: NATO
Stressing that the Black Sea is of strategic importance for NATO Stoltenberg said that the alliance has increased its presence in the region “on land, at sea and in the air", with enhanced air policing, more naval presence and more presence with land forces.