B9 Defence Ministerial: Jaroslav Naď meets for talks with B9 Defence Ministers, UK Defence Secretary and U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs

Speaking in a video conference with the Bucharest Nine (B9) Defence Ministerial on Monday (6 June 2022), Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď met for talks with his fellow B9 Defence Ministers, UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander, and NATO's Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning Patrick Turner. Ahead of the upcoming NATO Madrid Summit, they discussed their expectations – in particular with regard to the forthcoming adoption of the new NATO 2022 Strategic Concept, as well as the continued engagement of Allied forces along the Alliance's eastern flank.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Ukraineʼs existential struggle for survival is a struggle for the values of peace, democracy and the rule of law. With our help, we make it clear that defending the principles of the free world and international order is of our priority interest. We must not allow Putinʼs brutal manifesto to divide our society. Clear consensus reigns among us over this issue.”

At the B9 meeting, Defence Ministers presented their positions on issues related to the upcoming NATO Summit, which, given the fundamental change in Europe's security environment brought about by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, will be one of the most important summits over the past years. In this respect, Minister Naď confirmed Slovakia's stance insofar as the new Strategic Concept must be adjusted to a more confrontational, yet still less predictable period and environment as Russia presents a long-term threat.

“What is especially important for us is to have a realistic description of todayʼs security environment and a clear definition of associated security threats and challenges. We expect that the Madrid Summit will send out a message of Allied unity and determination as we continue to adjust our posture in proportion to the threats we face,” Minister Naď concluded.