NATO foreign ministers are set to meet in Brussels to discuss defense spending, support for Ukraine, and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. The meeting will also address regional security in the southern neighborhood and the opening of a NATO Liaison Office in Amman to enhance cooperation in the Middle East. Furthermore, NATO is strengthening its mission in Iraq to support security capacity building.
NATO foreign ministers will convene on Thursday and Friday at the NATO headquarters in Brussels to prepare for the upcoming summit in The Hague at the end of June. The discussions will center on bolstering defense spending among member states, enhancing defense industrial capabilities, continuing support for Ukraine, and increasing cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners, including Australia and Japan.
A NATO official emphasized the agenda, stating, “There will be an exchange of views on how to maintain momentum in increasing defense spending, how to restructure defense industrial production, as well as continuing our support for Ukraine and strengthening our cooperation with partners on issues of common interest.”
The meeting follows pivotal visits by NATO Secretary General to the Western Balkans, where he engaged with the Kosovo Force and the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team. The official indicated, “These visits are tangible proof that the Western Balkans remain a high priority on NATO’s agenda, as a region of strategic importance.”
A session featuring the NATO-Ukraine Council will include Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and EU High Representative Josep Borrell. Additionally, the ministers will engage with representatives from Indo-Pacific allies, further emphasizing global cooperative security efforts.
In relation to security dynamics, NATO is addressing regional instability’s impact on member states through partnerships. “At the Washington Summit, NATO leaders adopted an action plan aimed at enhancing our strategic approach to the southern neighborhood,” the official stated. Plans to open a NATO Liaison Office in Amman will aid in fostering dialogue and bolster regional security initiatives.
Furthermore, NATO promotes stability in Iraq through its NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI), which provides advisory support to enhance security capacities. The official remarked, “The NATO Mission in Iraq helps build more sustainable, transparent, inclusive, and effective security institutions and armed forces, contributing to stability.” Expanding the mission to support the Iraqi Ministry of Interior reflects ongoing commitments to regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts.
In summary, the upcoming NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels will tackle vital defense issues, including increased spending, support for Ukraine, and cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners. Additionally, the establishment of a NATO Liaison Office in Amman underlines the alliance’s focus on enhancing security cooperation in the Middle East and Africa. NATO’s continued efforts in Iraq emphasize its commitment to stability and counter-terrorism in the region.
Original Source: www.jordannews.jo
