Foreign ministers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) gathered in Brussels (Belgium) from November 28-30 to discuss many major issues.
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| During the NATO Foreign Ministers' Meeting on November 28, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom (left) spoke with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan (right). (Source: Reuters) |
First , the situation in Ukraine is certainly at the forefront of attention. In Brussels, NATO foreign ministers are holding the first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, with the participation of their Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba.
In fact, NATO foreign ministers acknowledged that the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ (VSU) counteroffensive had achieved the expected progress. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated: “The goals and hopes of the Ukrainian counteroffensive have been dashed because there have been no major changes or breakthroughs on the ground. Many have acknowledged this, albeit quietly and cautiously.”
In addition, the 2024 presidential election, competition with China, and conflicts in the Middle East are affecting US policy on aid to Ukraine. The European Union (EU) is also facing difficulties as Hungary and Türkiye maintain separate stances, while economic pressure from military aid packages is growing.
The NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was an opportunity for countries to “reinforce” their support for Ukraine. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed: “Our obligation is to ensure that Ukraine is provided with the weapons it needs. We must continue to do so. This is in our security interests… I believe that the United States will continue to provide support, in the interests of the United States. That is also consistent with what we have agreed.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called on his NATO counterparts to “continue to produce and provide large amounts of weapons, military equipment and other equipment”. The official affirmed that the goal of retaking territories, including Crimea, was “unchanged”, stressing that “nothing can stop us”.
Second, the meeting represents an effort to resolve tensions in the Western Balkans. Speaking ahead of the event, Jens Stoltenberg said that Serbia-Kosovo tensions were a topic of discussion during consultations. He urged both sides to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric that could escalate the situation. The NATO secretary general called for increased dialogue, mediated by the EU. The bloc will do “whatever is necessary” to ensure stability in the region, including deploying a permanent peacekeeping force in Kosovo.
Third , regarding the conflict in the Gaza Strip, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg commented that “the situation in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine has many differences”. However, “my message is that in any conflict, the parties must respect international law, humanitarian law and protect the lives of civilians”. Notably, although NATO welcomes the extension of the humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages, the Foreign Ministers will refrain from expressing support for extending this temporary agreement. Instead, they will aim to find a long-term solution to completely stop the gunfire in Gaza.
Finally , Mr. Stoltenberg continued to call on Turkey and Hungary to soon ratify Sweden's membership.
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom quoted his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan as saying that Ankara would do so “in the coming weeks.” Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said: “Prime Minister Viktor Orban has repeatedly said that Hungary will not be the last country to ratify Sweden’s membership.” With these signals, could NATO welcome a new member in the final days of 2023?
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