Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently met with Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico at NATO Headquarters, where they discussed Slovakia’s commitment to the Alliance. Slovakia has shown its dedication by hosting a multinational NATO battlegroup, deploying forces to Latvia, and planning to invest 2% of its GDP in defense. The two leaders also talked about the importance of supporting Ukraine and strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities. Stoltenberg praised Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that Putin is not preparing for peace but rather for a prolonged conflict.
Stoltenberg expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Fico for Slovakia’s continued provision of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and contributions to NATO’s assistance package for the country. He also highlighted the importance of defense industry cooperation between Slovakia and Ukraine, emphasizing that the repair hub in Slovakia will remain operational. The Secretary General stressed that cutting off military assistance to Kyiv would only prolong the conflict and that there is a risk of Putin’s aggression spreading beyond Ukraine if he is successful there. It is crucial to support Ukraine in order to prevent further destabilization in the region.
In terms of NATO’s deterrence and defense efforts, Stoltenberg announced that a US missile defense base in Poland would become operational soon. This development is seen as a significant step for transatlantic security and will enhance Allies’ ability to defend against ballistic missile threats, particularly from the Middle East. The Secretary General emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong defense posture within the Alliance to ensure the security of all member states. Stoltenberg’s meeting with Prime Minister Fico highlighted the ongoing cooperation and coordination between NATO and its member states to address security challenges in the region.
Overall, the meeting between Stoltenberg and Fico underscored the importance of Slovakia’s commitment to NATO and its support for Ukraine. The discussions focused on bolstering defense capabilities, providing assistance to Ukraine, and enhancing NATO’s deterrence and defense posture. By working together, NATO and its member states, including Slovakia, aim to strengthen security in the region and prevent further aggression from external threats. The ongoing cooperation between NATO and Slovakia demonstrates a shared commitment to upholding the principles of the Alliance and ensuring the collective defense of all member states.
