NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs will meet at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on November 28–29, 2023. The meeting will be chaired by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a pre-ministerial press conference on November 27 that the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, in addition to intensifying strategic competition, will be topics of discussion among the two-day NATO Foreign Ministers convening in Brussels.
Preceding the meeting, Mr. Stoltenberg advocated for an extension of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. “I call for an extension of the pause. This would allow for much-needed relief to the people of Gaza and the release of more hostages,” Mr. Stoltenberg said, urging Iran to “rein in its proxies” following a string of attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria.
In relation to Russia, Mr. Stoltenberg issued a warning that Moscow is attempting to sow discord among the democratic nations of the Allies, citing energy blackmail, cyberattacks, and the use of migrants against Finland. The Secretary General then stated, “NATO stands in solidarity with our Ally Finland.”
In response to the Ukrainian offensive, Mr. Stoltenberg stated that Kiev has “prevailed as a sovereign independent nation” and is “inflicting major losses on Russia.” Additionally, he stated that Ukraine has reclaimed fifty percent of the territory that Russia had seized. The Secretary General stated, “This is a big win for Ukraine” and added that Russia is “politically, economically, and militarily weaker” than it was prior to the conflict. Scheduled for November 29, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will participate in the inaugural NATO-Ukraine Council meeting at the foreign ministers’ level. “We will reaffirm NATO’s long-term support” for Ukraine and “agree recommendations for Ukraine’s priority reforms as we continue to support Kyiv on its path to NATO membership,” stated Mr. Stoltenberg.
The ministers will also deliberate on the situation in the Western Balkans. Mr. Stoltenberg stated that, in an effort to maintain peace, NATO was considering a more permanent increase in troop levels in the region. He added, “Stability depends on all sides choosing dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and chaos.” Stortenberg further urged Turkey and Hungary to expeditiously finalize the ratification procedure for Sweden’s NATO membership, stating that “the time has come.”
Allies will also address the challenges posed by China. While praising recent discussions between China and allies, the Secretary General emphasized the significance of “dialogue.” He stated, “China is not an adversary, but Beijing’s actions challenge our security, and we must work together to respond.”
