Extraordinary meeting of Allied Defence Ministers dominated by COVID-19 pandemic
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- Date: 15.04.2020
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Allied Defence Ministers today convened an extraordinary meeting via video conference to discuss the Alliance's response efforts to the COVID-19 crisis. In discussions, they reviewed NATO's activity in support of Allies in battling coronavirus and took further collaborative assistance and coordination measures to curb the coronavirus spread.
Slovakia was represented in the meeting by State Secretary of the SVK Ministry of Defence Marian Majer. The Defence Ministers of Sweden and Finland took part in the video conference too, and so did High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission Josep Borrell. For the first time, also present at the meeting in this format was the Madam Minister of Defence of North Macedonia as a representative of the new NATO member.
State Secretary of the SVK MOD Marian Majer said: "We must together prevent the current medical crisis from turning into a security crisis. In this respect, we need to demonstrate together that NATO as well as the European Union are universal organisations capable of dealing with whatever the challenge they face."
On humanitarian aid, Secretary Majer informed Allies of the SVK Government's decision to deliver humanitarian assistance to Italy. Mr Majer emphasised: "This step is also proof that Slovakia is ready to offer assistance to Allies."
On the coronavirus pandemic, NATO Defence Ministers today discussed countering disinformation, which is being misused for propaganda. They reaffirmed their appreciation for NATO's coordinated approach and proactive engagement in the fight against disinformation via strategic communication. With regard to the current crisis, they stressed the need to continue close communication with the public on NATO's principles and objectives and on the rationale for ramping up their defence spending.
Topics of discussion today also included the steps to maintain the Alliance's deterrence and defence posture and the specific aspects of Allied deployments on international crisis management missions and operations over the course of the pandemic.
Slovakia was represented in the meeting by State Secretary of the SVK Ministry of Defence Marian Majer. The Defence Ministers of Sweden and Finland took part in the video conference too, and so did High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission Josep Borrell. For the first time, also present at the meeting in this format was the Madam Minister of Defence of North Macedonia as a representative of the new NATO member.
State Secretary of the SVK MOD Marian Majer said: "We must together prevent the current medical crisis from turning into a security crisis. In this respect, we need to demonstrate together that NATO as well as the European Union are universal organisations capable of dealing with whatever the challenge they face."
On humanitarian aid, Secretary Majer informed Allies of the SVK Government's decision to deliver humanitarian assistance to Italy. Mr Majer emphasised: "This step is also proof that Slovakia is ready to offer assistance to Allies."
On the coronavirus pandemic, NATO Defence Ministers today discussed countering disinformation, which is being misused for propaganda. They reaffirmed their appreciation for NATO's coordinated approach and proactive engagement in the fight against disinformation via strategic communication. With regard to the current crisis, they stressed the need to continue close communication with the public on NATO's principles and objectives and on the rationale for ramping up their defence spending.
Topics of discussion today also included the steps to maintain the Alliance's deterrence and defence posture and the specific aspects of Allied deployments on international crisis management missions and operations over the course of the pandemic.
