Four key points at the NATO Foreign Ministers' Conference

Foreign ministers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) gathered in Brussels (Belgium) from November 28-30 to discuss many major issues.

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 attended 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) counter-offensive has progressed as expected. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated: “The goals and hopes of the Ukrainian counter-offensive 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 aid policy for Ukraine. The European Union (EU) is also facing difficulties as Hungary and Turkey maintain separate stances, while economic pressure from military aid packages is growing.

The NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was an opportunity for countries to “re-energize” 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 maintain this. 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 in line with what we have agreed.”

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called on his NATO counterparts to “continue to produce and provide large quantities 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 signaled an effort to resolve tensions in the Western Balkans. Speaking ahead of the event, Jens Stoltenberg said Serbia-Kosovo tensions were discussed during consultations. He urged both sides to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric that could escalate the situation. The NATO secretary general called for increased EU-mediated dialogue. The bloc would do “whatever is necessary” to ensure regional stability, 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 shooting 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”. Meanwhile, 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 soon welcome a new member in the last days of 2023?

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bon-tam-diem-tai-hoi-nghi-ngoai-truong-nato-252043.html