“We need to take bold decisions at the summit that will ensure the long-term security of our people and the Euro-Atlantic region as a whole,” the Estonian head of government remarked at a post-meeting press conference. “NATO remains the most successful defence alliance in history. In this anniversary year, the greatest gift we can give it is decisions that reflect the new security reality.”
Prime Minister Kallas says support for Ukraine forms part of the basis for long-term defence and deterrence. “The price we are currently paying to support Ukraine is nothing compared to what it would be if Russia’s aggression paid off,” she warned.
The head of government also stressed that the decisions taken at the Washington summit in regard to Ukraine must support the country on its path to accession. “The main thing recent decades have taught us is that grey zones lead to new conflicts,” she said. “We must show, in word and deed, that Ukraine’s journey towards NATO membership is irreversible.”
At the end of the meeting, Prime Minister Kallas thanked Secretary General Stoltenberg for his outstanding work in the role, to which he was appointed on 1 October 2014. He will hand over the role to Mark Rutte this autumn.
Gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/albums/72177720318294773/
Full text of press release (in English): https://valitsus.ee/en/news/opening-remarks-prime-minister-kallas-joint-press-conference-nato-secretary-general-jens
