J. Naď at Globsec: NATO is a mainstay and compass of stability, as evidenced also by its fight against the current pandemic

One of the most high profile security conferences in Europe – the Globsec Bratislava Forum 2020 – began in Bratislava today. This year’s theme of “LET’S HEAL THE WORLD TOGETHER” is inspired by the developing COVID-19 pandemic. Today, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď participated in the conference and was one of the speakers on the discussion panel titled “A Compass of Stability – NATO's Ageless Utility”.

Speaking at Globsec 2020, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Even during this pandemic, it is being proven once again that there is no alternative to NATO for European security and defence. Through its readiness and solidary, NATO is proving its indisputable worth, the benefits of which are felt by countries at this challenging time of the global pandemic. At the same time, in this current situation we are afforded an opportunity to identify potential shortages and respond to them without delay. Even in this way, we are becoming stronger and more united in the Allied circle.”

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď was joined on the panel by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia Artis Pabriks and Minister of National Defence of Canada Harjit Singh Sajjan. On the Alliance’s response to the pandemic, the ministers appreciated NATO’s assistance in delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies under NATO’s Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS) programme, which was used by Slovakia as well.

“The current situation has created a space for keeping our public updated on the significance and advantages of NATO membership even during the pandemic by sharing our positive experiences and examples from real life,” emphasised Minister Naď. In this context, he described the SVK military’s role in the fight against COVID-19. He pointed out that the SVK MOD has stepped up communications with the public, bringing updates on the SVK military’s engagements in domestic and international crisis management operations.

Traditionally, Defence State Secretary Marian Majer, too, participated in Globsec. On Day 1 of the conference, he joined the discussion in the Defence Forum, which provides a unique space for meetings and discussions of subject matter specialists from government institutions, private sector, NGOs and academia. The panel on which the Defence State Secretary was a speaker focused on the EU’s defence initiatives and the options for their further advancement. “The development of the EU’s defence policy has been positive over the past years and this trend should be maintained,” he stated. Also today, Mr Majer discussed the impact of hybrid threats and climatic change on security and defence and the areas where the armed forces can set an example in mitigating the effects of climate change.

The 15th edition of the Globsec Security Conference is taking place whilst stringent epidemiological measures are in place, whereas each conference participant must present a negative COVID-19 test no older than 12 hours. For this reason, some participants are attending the conference via video calls.