Stoltenberg evaluated the items on the agenda

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg provided a briefing on the issues to be discussed at the meetings prior to the NATO Defense Ministers meeting held at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

Emphasizing that next week marks the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Stoltenberg said: “We see no signs that President Putin is preparing for peace. What we see is the opposite, he is preparing for more wars, new attacks, new attacks. Therefore, this makes it all the more important for NATO allies and partners to provide increased support for Ukraine. And later today we will meet in the US-led Ukraine Contact Group and discuss the urgent needs for increased support for Ukraine.”

“WE WILL CONSIDER NEW INSTRUCTIONS IN THE LONG TERM”

Stating that the Defense Ministers meeting will discuss new long-term guidelines for defense planning to further strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense, Stoltenberg said: “The allies will also start discussing the new investment commitment in defense and how they will allow us to continue investing. more on defense. We will also look at protection of critical infrastructure, particularly subsea infrastructure, offshore infrastructure. “Because we saw that these undersea cables, pipelines are vulnerable, and it’s important for us to further coordinate our efforts to protect critical infrastructure,” he said.

“WE NEED TO CONTINUE OUR SUPPORT TO TURKEY”

Stoltenberg also made statements about the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes that occurred on February 6 in Turkey.

Stoltenberg said: “The terrible toll caused by the earthquakes in Turkey terrifies us all. NATO allies provide significant support to Turkey. We need to continue this support, show solidarity and continue our support for Turkey,” he said.