BRUSSELS/Correspondent LP/ – The NATO-Ukraine Council’s pivotal meeting marked the end of a two-day Foreign Ministers conference in Brussels, which also included separate discussions with Indo-Pacific allies and the European Union. This day commemorated the 75th anniversary of NATO’s establishment, a milestone that Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg celebrated by stating, “Since 1949, we have evolved into the most potent and triumphant Alliance in history.”
Mr. Stoltenberg expressed gratitude for the Allies’ ongoing support of Ukraine as the ministerial meeting concluded. He spotlighted recent contributions, including Germany’s nearly 600 million euro commitment to the Czech-led artillery initiative, the United Kingdom’s provision of 10,000 drones, France’s additional missiles and armored vehicles, and Finland’s new aid package worth 188 million euros. He emphasized the need for further action, stating, “We must intensify our efforts and establish our support on a more solid and lasting foundation.” The Allies have now agreed to advance planning for an expanded NATO role in coordinating essential security assistance and training for Ukraine.
The Foreign Ministers also discussed the global implications of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, including support from China, North Korea, and Iran. Indo-Pacific partners – Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea – along with the European Union, joined the Allies in strategizing ways to enhance cooperation in countering cyber and hybrid threats and promoting new technologies and defense industrial production. The Secretary General stressed, “In the face of rising alignment among authoritarian powers, NATO and its partners must remain united in defending a global order that is governed by law, not force.”
On Wednesday, in a separate session, NATO Foreign Ministers gathered to discuss NATO’s aid to Ukraine and security challenges in the Alliance’s southern vicinity.
