Stoltenberg: Before Ukraine’s entry into NATO…

Stoltenberg held a press conference at the end of the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Bucharest, Romania.

“Didn’t Ukraine deserve NATO membership instead of vague promises?” Responding to the question, Stoltenberg said: “The most urgent task at the moment is to ensure Ukraine’s continuation as a sovereign and independent country. To this end, we provide all possible military, economic, financial and humanitarian support. If Ukraine cannot continue as a sovereign and independent country, then the question of membership cannot be on the table,” he said.

Stating that there is a prerequisite for the timing of Ukraine’s membership, Stoltenberg said: “That is Ukraine’s continuation as a sovereign state. We are trying to achieve that,” he said.

Stating that NATO allies are ready to supply Ukraine with advanced military materials, ammunition, fuel and whatever it needs, Stoltenberg stressed that this is the most urgent issue at the moment.

“There’s also a big difference between nothing and full membership,” Stoltenberg said. We are developing both our political and practical partnership with Ukraine. This will strengthen Ukraine’s institutions and help transition from Soviet-era equipment standards to modern NATO standards doctrine. This is good for Ukraine and for us. “This will bring Ukraine closer to membership,” he said.

REMEMBER THE TERRORIST ATTACK IN ISTANBUL

Stoltenberg also claimed that the two-day NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting included the fight against terrorism.

Emphasizing that terrorism is the most serious asymmetric threat to NATO’s security, Stoltenberg said: “We saw it last time with the terrible attack in Istanbul. Ministers have agreed that we must continue our efforts to combat this threat.” he said he.

Answering the question of what should be done to prevent Russia from establishing a sphere of influence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Stoltenberg said that this country is important for the stability of the Balkans and for NATO.

“One of the most important things to hinder Russia’s efforts to influence and intervene in Bosnia is the formation of the government and the strengthening of institutions after the elections,” Stoltenberg said. “NATO stands ready to continue supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina by helping to build strong defense and security institutions and implement democratic reforms,” ​​he said.

Stating that the NATO foreign ministers discussed the challenges posed by China on the second day of the meeting, Stoltenberg said they do not view China as an adversary and relations with China will continue in accordance with their interests, but they are watchmen.

Stating that they assessed China’s ambitious military development, technological progress and the rise of cyber and hybrid activities, Stoltenberg reiterated that after the war in Ukraine the importance of reducing reliance on authoritarian regimes emerged.

Stoltenberg said: “Of course, we will continue to trade and maintain our economic relationship with China, but we must be aware of our dependencies and reduce our vulnerability.” he said he. (AA)