NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

01/24/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/24/2022 11:27

Press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Pekka Haavisto and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ann Linde

Minister Haavisto,
Dear Pekka,
Minister Linde,
Dear Ann,

Welcome to NATO Headquarters.
It is great to see you both again.

Finland and Sweden are NATO's closest partners.
We share the same values.
And we face the same challenges, in the Baltic Sea region and beyond.

Our forces have trained and exercised together for many years.
We continue to share information and situational awareness.
And both Finland and Sweden have contributed to NATO missions and operations, from the Western Balkans to Iraq.

The worsening security situation in Europe makes NATO's cooperation with Finland and Sweden even more important.

Today, we discussed Russia's continued military build-up in and around Ukraine.

The risk of conflict remains real.
And we continue to call on Russia to de-escalate and choose the path of diplomacy.

NATO is a defensive Alliance, which does not threaten Russia, or any other country.

But we will always do what is necessary to protect and defend all our Allies.
And I welcome that Allies are stepping up.

For instance, Denmark is sending a frigate to the Baltic Sea and will deploy more jets to Lithuania as part of our Baltic air policing mission.

France has expressed its readiness to send troops to Romania under NATO command.

The Netherlands is sending fighter aircraft to Bulgaria for air policing, and is putting units on standby for the NATO Response Force.


Spain is sending ships to join NATO naval forces in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, and considering sending jets to Bulgaria.

And the United States, for the first time in decades, put a carrier strike group under NATO command.

We are considering to further enhance our presence in the eastern part of the Alliance. This could include the deployment of additional NATO battlegroups.

These deployments are proportionate and in line with our international commitments.
And they reinforce European security for all of us.

At the same time, NATO remains ready to continue dialogue with Russia.

Following the NATO-Russia Council earlier this month, I have now invited all members to a series of further meetings.

To address European security, including the situation in and around Ukraine.

NATO-Russia relations, and how to reduce risks and increase transparency.

And arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.


So NATO Allies are ready to engage in genuine dialogue and to seek constructive outcomes.

And we will continue to consult with our key partners Finland and Sweden as we take this dialogue forward.

But let me be clear: NATO will not compromise on core principles.

We stand for the right of each nation to choose its own alliances.

And NATO's door remains open.

While NATO cooperates closely with Finland and Sweden, we fully respect your strong and independent security policies.

It is for Finland and Sweden alone to decide on your path.
Not Russia.
Not anyone else.
Sovereign nations have the right to self-determination.
NATO will always respect that.
Others must respect that too.

Dear Pekka,
Dear Ann,
Once again, welcome to both of you.
Thank you again for Finland and Sweden's deep friendship and partnership with NATO.
Our cooperation makes us all safer and more secure.