NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and thanked him for his humanitarian support for Ukraine. This was reported by UNN with reference to the Alliance's press service.
Details
During the meeting, the parties discussed further support for Ukraine and further strengthening of the Alliance's deterrence and defense.
Stoltenberg praised Slovakia's commitment to the Alliance, including the deployment of a NATO multinational battlegroup, the deployment of forces to Latvia, and plans to invest 2% of GDP in defense this year.
The Secretary General praised Slovakia's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and emphasized that "there is no sign that Putin is preparing for peace."
At the same time, Stoltenberg thanked Prime Minister Fico for confirming that Slovakia will continue to provide humanitarian aid and contribute to NATO's comprehensive assistance package for Ukraine.
SEE ALSO: Slovakia's Defense Ministry announces suspension of military aid to Ukraine
He also welcomed the continued cooperation in the defense industry between Slovakia and Ukraine, and that a critical repair facility in Slovakia will remain operational.
Stopping military aid to Kyiv will prolong the war, not end it. If Putin wins in Ukraine, there is a real risk that his aggression will not end there
Addendum
On NATO's deterrence and defense, the Secretary General said that the long-planned US missile defense base in Poland will be operational on Friday, December 15, 2023.
This is an important step for transatlantic security" and will "strengthen Allies' ability to defend against the threat of ballistic missiles, especially from the Middle East
To recap,
Slovak Prime Minister Fico said that although Ukraine is "absolutely not ready" for EU membership talks, Slovakia will not obstruct the European Council's decision to start negotiations.
SEE ALSO: Slovak PM Fico considers Russia's war against Ukraine a "frozen conflict"