Category: Military

In his acceptance speech Mr Stoltenberg stressed the importance of transatlantic relations and how a strong transatlantic bond had made him feel safe growing up as a young man in Norway. He stressed that both sides of the Atlantic have to preserve what unites them and invest in the relationship. “I do not believe in America alone. I do not believe in Europe alone. I believe in America and Europe together,” he said.

The Secretary General stressed that Germany’s new Defence Policy Guidelines demonstrate its commitment to increased defence spending. “We need a strong Bundeswehr, which is ready to fight at the heart of the Alliance,” he said, welcoming Germany’s clear commitment to invest 2 percent of GDP on defence by next year. “This reflects Germany’s responsibility and Germany’s leadership,” he added. The Secretary General also met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on 9 November. During his visit to Berlin Mr Stoltenberg will receive the American Academy of Berlin’s 2023 Henry A. Kissinger Prize for his contribution to transatlantic relations.

“Bulgaria is a highly-valued NATO Ally, playing a critical role in our security in the Black Sea area, as well as in the Western Balkans and beyond,” the Deputy Secretary General said. He also welcomed Bulgaria’s commitment to spend at least 2 percent of GDP on defence in the coming years. “This means more combat aircraft, patrol ships and armoured vehicles, and it will make Bulgaria more secure and NATO stronger,” he added.

Mr Geoană highlighted NATO’s commitment to security in the Black Sea and steadfast support to Ukraine. “We have seen a surge of Russian attacks in the Black Sea in the recent months, including on civilian shipping lanes. Russia’s dangerous and escalatory actions pose serious risks to the stability of the region. So, NATO and Allies have stepped up surveillance and reconnaissance in the Black Sea, including with maritime patrol aircraft, NATO AWACS surveillance planes, and drones,” he said. ‘I strongly welcome that Bulgaria is working together with Romania and Türkiye to counter the threat of floating mines in the Black Sea. This is an important contribution in the broader effort toward restoring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea,” he said.

Mr Geoană travelled to Bulgaria together with the Permanent Representatives to the North Atlantic Council. He met the Bulgarian Prime Minister, Nikolai Denkov, and other Bulgarian officials, including the Minister of Defence, Todor Tagarev, and the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov. He also met Allied personnel from NATO’s multinational battlegroup.
 

Upon their arrival, the NATO Military Representatives headed to the Heroes Square – erected in memory of the lost heroes in the war against the Soviet Army and in operations in Abkhazia – for a wreath laying ceremony presided over by the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer and the Georgian Chief of Defence,  Major General Giorgi Matiashvili. Admiral Bauer then met with Minister Juansher Burchuladze to discuss the ongoing implementation of Georgia’s security and defence reforms within the context of its Annual National Programme – and regional security issues, with a focus on the Black Sea. 

On Thursday morning, the NATO Military Committee visited the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Centre, where they received briefings on the centre’s role and responsibilities, training capabilities and opportunities available to NATO and Partner Nations. During the tour of the facility, Admiral Bauer noted the important role the centre plays in hosting live and simulated training exercises, in certifying military units from Allied and partner countries, and building interoperability between NATO and Partner Armed Forces. While observing the interagency military EXERCISE DIDGORI 2023, Admiral Bauer acknowledged the professionalism and dedication of Georgian troops. , The exercise demonstrates their abilities and expertise as well as their readiness and ability to respond to any threat or challenge.

Admiral Bauer also met with the Chairman of the Georgian Parliament, H.E. Salva Papuashvili and commended him for Georgia’s steadfast contributions to NATO. “We are grateful to have the outstanding support of the Georgian Armed Forces, especially through the first deployment of members of the Georgian Coast Guard to our Operation Sea Guardian and your increased participation in the NATO Response Force. Through almost 30 years of friendship, we have built a mutually beneficial cooperation that has both enriched and solidified our partnership. By working alongside our troops have managed to become more interoperable than ever before”, emphasised the Chair.

The afternoon saw the NATO Military Committee convene a special meeting in Georgia Format to discuss the ongoing security situation in and around Georgia, the implementation of Georgia’s defence reforms and the NATO-Georgia military cooperation. Chairing the meeting, Admiral Bauer underscored the long-standing partnership between NATO and Georgia. “Georgia is one of NATO’s closest partners and a key partner in the Black Sea region. This was reflected in the enhanced Substantial NATO-Georgia Package endorsed at the Madrid Summit. Reaffirmed in the Vilnius Summit Communiqué and in NATO’s new Strategic Concept. This is also echoed by our presence in Georgia, which sends a clear message: NATO’s partnership with Georgia is important to us. It is enduring and stronger than ever”, he concluded. 

Mr Stoltenberg welcomed that Germany has stepped up at a critical moment for European security and allocated troops for the defence of Europe, including a NATO brigade stationed in Lithuania and troops for the NATO battlegroup in Slovakia. The Secretary General praised Germany’s commitment to invest 2 percent of GDP in defence by next year, adding that “sustaining this level of investment will be a game-changer for our collective defence.” He also welcomed Germany’s strong leadership in the domain of cyber defence.

The Secretary General addressed Russia’s withdrawal from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, noting that Russia has now walked away from every arms control treaty. He said: “This is a pattern of reckless behaviour, and it makes the world more dangerous.” He affirmed that NATO remains fully committed to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, and called on Russia to play a responsible role.

The two leaders also discussed Russia’s ongoing brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. Mr Stoltenberg thanked Germany for providing critical support including Marder and Leopard tanks, IRIS-T air defences and munitions. He underlined the importance of giving the Ukrainians the weapons they need to stay strong on the battlefield, saying: “These contributions help Ukraine defend its freedom. And they help keep Europe safe.

Later today the Secretary General will deliver a speech at the first NATO Annual Cyber Defence Conference together with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

On 10 November, Mr Stoltenberg will meet German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. He will also receive the American Academy of Berlin’s 2023 Henry A. Kissinger Prize for his contribution to transatlantic relations.