After meeting NATO Sec Gen Jens Stoltenberg, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Our Allies value Slovakia's determination and activities that bring a worldwide response”
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- Date: 24.03.2023
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Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď met in person with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Friday 24 March 2023. Central themes of their conversation included the military assistance for Ukraine and the coordination of steps towards securing the defence of the Alliance's territory, including NATO's deployment of forces, capabilities and command structures to Slovakia.
In a statement following the meeting, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg appreciated Slovakia’s clear position on the strengthening of the Alliance’s eastern flank. We had an excellent discussion, which, I believe, will have a positive impact on our security and defences.”
On the continuous supply of support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Minister Naď noted that Slovakia has been in negotiation with Allies, always on the condition that an adequate replacement for the Slovak military must be secured.
Minister Naď updated Secretary Stoltenberg on Slovakia's assistance to Ukraine thus far and readiness to scale up munitions manufacturing to replenish military stocks at home and deliver artillery shells to Ukraine.
Both leaders spoke about the recent rotation of the NATO Battlegroup in Slovakia, with the U.S. Army Patriot Battery handing the role over to the Italian Army SAMP/T Battery.
On the Defence Investment Pledge, Mr Naď emphasised that Slovakia will deliver on its commitment this year, taking its total defence spending, planned and approved, to 2.10% of GDP on defence. On this note, Minister Naď and Secretary Stoltenberg concurred that spending 2% on defence must be a floor, not a ceiling.
The NATO Chief praised Slovakia for its activities in the field of defence and security and the Slovak Armed Forces for their intensive modernisation programmes. “I get a real sense of satisfaction when in the eyes of our Allies we are a respected, predictable and reliable partner who is a stable element of the Alliance’s collective defence, just as the NATO Secretary General highlighted today. In our efforts, we will continue to do so tirelessly,” Minister Naď concluded.
In a statement following the meeting, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg appreciated Slovakia’s clear position on the strengthening of the Alliance’s eastern flank. We had an excellent discussion, which, I believe, will have a positive impact on our security and defences.”
On the continuous supply of support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Minister Naď noted that Slovakia has been in negotiation with Allies, always on the condition that an adequate replacement for the Slovak military must be secured.
Minister Naď updated Secretary Stoltenberg on Slovakia's assistance to Ukraine thus far and readiness to scale up munitions manufacturing to replenish military stocks at home and deliver artillery shells to Ukraine.
Both leaders spoke about the recent rotation of the NATO Battlegroup in Slovakia, with the U.S. Army Patriot Battery handing the role over to the Italian Army SAMP/T Battery.
On the Defence Investment Pledge, Mr Naď emphasised that Slovakia will deliver on its commitment this year, taking its total defence spending, planned and approved, to 2.10% of GDP on defence. On this note, Minister Naď and Secretary Stoltenberg concurred that spending 2% on defence must be a floor, not a ceiling.
The NATO Chief praised Slovakia for its activities in the field of defence and security and the Slovak Armed Forces for their intensive modernisation programmes. “I get a real sense of satisfaction when in the eyes of our Allies we are a respected, predictable and reliable partner who is a stable element of the Alliance’s collective defence, just as the NATO Secretary General highlighted today. In our efforts, we will continue to do so tirelessly,” Minister Naď concluded.
