NATO foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss defense spending, support for Ukraine, and regional security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. The upcoming NATO summit in The Hague and the establishment of a Liaison Office in Amman mark key developments for NATO’s strategic initiatives. Stability efforts in Iraq and the Western Balkans continue to receive emphasis.
NATO foreign ministers convene at the organization’s headquarters in Brussels on Thursday and Friday to prepare for the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague at the end of June. The discussions will center on enhancing defense spending among member states, advancing defense industrial capabilities, maintaining support for Ukraine, and fostering cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea.
A NATO official indicated that the ministers will discuss strategies for sustaining the momentum in defense spending, restructuring industrial production, and reinforcing support for Ukraine, while also enhancing collaborative regional efforts. This meeting follows significant visits by NATO Secretary General to the Western Balkans, which underscore the region’s strategic importance for NATO’s agenda, particularly regarding stability and security.
The meeting will include a NATO-Ukraine Council session featuring Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell. Ministers will engage with Indo-Pacific representatives as well as hold discussions with EU counterparts.
A NATO official acknowledged the security challenges posed by instability in the southern neighborhood, highlighting NATO’s efforts to bolster security partnerships in the Middle East and Africa. The forthcoming opening of a NATO Liaison Office in Amman will enhance dialogue with regional partners while supporting security initiatives.
In Iraq, NATO continues to support stability through the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI), which offers advisory assistance aimed at strengthening security capacities. The official noted that this mission promotes sustainable and effective security institutions and is expanding to assist the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and Federal Police Command at the government’s request.
The NATO foreign ministers’ meeting focuses on crucial areas such as defense spending, support for Ukraine, and cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies. The establishment of a NATO Liaison Office in Jordan signifies an ongoing commitment to enhance regional security while continuing to support stability in Iraq through the NATO Mission. These actions reflect NATO’s strategic interests and priorities in both European and Middle Eastern contexts.
Original Source: www.jordannews.jo
