NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made important statements at the annual meeting of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, which started last Friday in Madrid, the capital of Spain. Speaking about the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Stoltenberg said that Russia made a big mistake with the attacks it launched in February. Stating that Russia underestimated Ukraine’s courage and the unity of NATO and its allies, Stoltenberg said, “Russia thought that it would defeat Ukraine in a few days. However, Russia has been facing regression for 9 months. Ukrainians occupied their occupied lands, especially the Kherson region. continues to take it back. In this case, we definitely have to continue to support Ukraine in the long run. I know it has costs. People in our countries are facing a crisis in the cost of living. Also, energy and food prices are rising. But the price NATO pays is money. “The Ukrainians pay this price with their blood. If we let Putin win, we will all pay a much higher price. Authoritarian regimes in the world think they can get what they want with brute force,” he said.
Calling to be careful not to create new dependencies, Stoltenberg underlined the need to act carefully against China. Emphasizing that China holds critical infrastructures, supply chain and important industrial sectors, Stoltenberg said, “We cannot give authoritarian regimes a chance to exploit our vulnerabilities and undermine us.”
‘I SAW THE GRAIN SHIPS CROSSING THE BOSPHORUS’
Talking about Turkey’s important role in the decision to extend the grain agreement signed between Russia and Ukraine on July 22 in Istanbul under the mediation of the United Nations (UN) and Turkey, Stoltenberg said, “I appreciate Turkey and President Erdogan for facilitating the grain agreement. “While I was in Istanbul, I saw grain ships passing through the Bosphorus. This is very important for food prices and especially for poor countries in the world. The grain deal has proven to be very important and its continuity must be maintained. Also, the POW exchange, facilitated by Turkey and President Erdogan, is of course supported by our allies.” “But you know that my message in Istanbul is the same as the one I gave here today,” he said.
‘SWEDEN AND FINLAND HAVE TO PROVIDE GUARANTEE TO FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM’
Speaking about the NATO membership of Sweden and Finland, Stoltenberg reminded the tripartite memorandum signed between Finland, Sweden and Turkey. Stating that within the framework of the memorandum, the two countries have reached the ratification process at the stage of membership to NATO, Stoltenberg said, “Finland and Sweden have to partner with NATO and Turkey in the long term and provide guarantees to fight against terrorism. Finland and Sweden, in close cooperation with Turkey, will fight terrorism in the future. “As you know, no NATO country has suffered as much from terrorist attacks as Turkey. A few days ago, there was a brutal terrorist attack in Istanbul. The loss of life in the Allies, and especially in Turkey, reminds us of the brutality of terrorism.” (UAV)