The Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, recently held a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, to discuss a variety of important matters. They touched upon issues such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the upcoming NATO Summit, and the recent drone attack in Jordan.
Secretary Blinken began by emphasizing NATO's commitment to supporting Ukraine and defending its sovereignty. He highlighted that NATO's door remains open to Ukraine, showcasing the alliance's willingness to accept Ukraine as a member. Blinken noted that Putin's aggression against Ukraine has actually led to the strengthening of NATO, contrary to Putin's objectives.
The upcoming NATO Summit in Washington in July was also a major topic of discussion. Secretary Blinken referred to it as the most ambitious summit since the end of the Cold War. He underscored NATO's adaptation to new challenges such as Russian aggression, cyber threats, terrorism, and the rise of China. The alliance aims to address these challenges collectively and strengthen its capabilities.
During the press conference, Blinken highlighted the significant support of NATO allies for Ukraine, both militarily and economically. He acknowledged the exceptional assistance provided by the United States, totaling around $75 billion over the past few years. Additionally, NATO allies, particularly core members, have collectively contributed over $110 billion, demonstrating commendable burden-sharing.
To ensure the continued success and resilience of Ukraine, Blinken stressed the importance of passing the supplemental budget request put forth by President Biden. Failure to pass the budget would jeopardize the progress made in Ukraine and send the wrong message to adversaries, implying a lack of commitment to defending freedom and democracy.
The NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, expressed condolences for the US troops killed and wounded in the recent drone attack in Jordan. He condemned Iran's role in destabilizing the region and backing terrorists attacking ships in the Red Sea. Stoltenberg commended Secretary Blinken's efforts to prevent further escalation in the Gaza conflict and achieve a peaceful resolution.
Stoltenberg highlighted the significance of supporting Ukraine for both European and American security interests. He acknowledged the substantial military support provided by European NATO allies and Canada, which has exceeded what the US has contributed. Stoltenberg emphasized that supporting Ukraine is an investment in the security of all NATO allies.
The NATO Secretary General emphasized the need for a negotiated solution to end the war in Ukraine, where Ukraine can prevail as a sovereign nation. He called for increased provision of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine as a means to achieve a lasting and just peace.
Overall, the press conference demonstrated the commitment of NATO and its member states to address current challenges and adapt to evolving threats. The support for Ukraine and the upcoming NATO Summit reflect the alliance's determination to ensure collective defense and security for its members.
