NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

03/01/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/01/2022 04:59

Press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda at Łask Military Airbase in Poland

President Duda,
Dear Andrzej,
Generals.

Thank you so much for the warm welcome.
It is great to be back at the Łask airbase.
I was here for the first time in 2014.
And today, I see how this airbase really demonstrates NATO
unity and NATO presence.

And, President Duda, let me also thank you for your strong personal commitment to NATO,
to our transatlantic Alliance,
and the importance of standing together.

President Putin has shattered peace in Europe.
Allies condemn the unjustified and brutal invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian assault is totally unacceptable.
And it is enabled by Belarus.

NATO Allies provide support to Ukraine.
We welcome the leading role of Poland.
You are opening your borders to the hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing the conflict.
And I thank Poland for its support and strength at this dangerous time for Europe.

Putin's war affects us all.
And NATO Allies will always stand together.
To defend and protect each other.
And at this air base we see Allied solidarity in action.
Fighter jets from the United States are flying alongside the Polish Air Force.
Keeping NATO skies safe, 24/7.

Over the last weeks, we have increased our presence in the eastern part of the Alliance.
And today, we are for the first time in our history deploying the NATO Response Force.
Today, French troops are arriving in Romania as the lead element of this force.

Our commitment to Article 5, our collective defence clause, is iron-clad.
We will protect and defend every inch of NATO territory.

NATO is a defensive Alliance.
We do not seek conflict with Russia.
Russia must immediately stop the war.
Pull out all its forces from Ukraine.
And engage in good faith in diplomatic efforts.

The world stands with Ukraine in calling for peace.

So once again, President Duda, thank you for your hospitality.
Thank you for Poland's strong and staunch support to our Alliance.
And thank you for hosting me here today.
Thank you.