NATO Sec-Gen: Georgia, Ukraine are long-standing and close NATO partners
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at the end of a two day meeting of Allied Foreign Ministers in Riga that NATO's support for Ukraine's and Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty remains 'unwavering'. Photo: NATO
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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said following the meeting of NATO foreign ministers that Georgia and Ukraine are both ‘long-standing and close NATO partners’.
Jens Stoltenberg has tweeted:
#NATO Foreign Ministers met with partners #Georgia & #Ukraine. Ministers made clear that any further Russian aggression against Ukraine will have serious political & economic consequences. We need to remain vigilant & avoid escalation. #ForMin pic.twitter.com/9f7jYQZADT
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) December 1, 2021
Stoltenberg further noted during his press conference that Georgia and Ukraine - both aspiring for NATO membership - contribute to its missions and operations.
Ministers made clear that we stand by our decisions. Our support for their sovereignty and territorial integrity remains unwavering and we remain committed to enhance our support to both countries”, Stoltenberg said.
He further noted that NATO is already strengthening their capabilities to defend themselves by training and exercising together, as well as providing maritime support and sharing information.
We also addressed the importance of moving ahead with reforms to strengthen the rule of law and democracy, fight corruption and continue to transform their security and defense sectors”, he said.
Stoltenberg believes these reforms are key to making both Georgia and Ukraine stronger and more resilient.
Permanent Representative of Belgium to NATO has tweeted:
Second day of the #NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting in Riga ended. Ministers met ???????? ???????? colleagues, discussed lessons learned on 20 years presence in #Afghanistan ????????, and exchanged views on developments in the Western Balkans. pic.twitter.com/9amOosS8Zl
— Pascal Heyman (@PascalHeyman) December 1, 2021
Mentioning Russia’s ‘continued aggressive and destabilising actions against its neighbours’ Stoltenberg said the ministers ‘made clear any future Russian aggression would come at a high price, and have serious political and economic consequences for Russia.