NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg meets France’s Macron to discuss Ukraine issue

Europe, News June 29, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the President of France Emmanuel Macron, in Paris on June 28, 2023, to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war and final preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit.

Ahead of their talks, Stoltenberg and Macron delivered a joint declaration in front of the Élysée Palace in Paris. During the press conference, France’s Macron pledged to increase defense spending by more than 2% of GDP.

French President Macron highlighted that France will continue to work with other NATO Allies to support Ukraine and strengthen the combined defense of member states. Macron added that support for Ukraine should be “long-lasting” and the Allies need to find a pathway to materialize the joining of Ukraine to the NATO Alliance and set up necessary “security architecture” in this regard.

Stoltenberg praised France for leading the NATO multinational battle group in Romania and for other contributions to the Alliance’s deterrence and defense. He further highlighted that France will be increasing its defense spending by more than one-third in the coming years.

Excellent meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron of our key Ally #France. We discussed the upcoming #NATOSummit, where we will increase support for #Ukraine & strengthen our deterrence & defence. We also agree that it is time to welcome #Sweden as a full member of #NATO. pic.twitter.com/IsOmS5fvng
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) June 28, 2023

The NATO secretary general also applauded President Macron for France’s vital assistance to Ukraine, as it defends itself against Russia’s war of aggression. Stoltenberg stressed the need “to continue supporting Ukraine, which will be a major topic on the Summit agenda.”

According to the NATO statement, the secretary general said that “NATO-EU cooperation is more important than ever at this grave moment for European security, and welcomed France’s strong commitment to further strengthening this strategic partnership.”

While speaking about the recent developments in Russia, the NATO secretary general said, “We have seen that unfolding with the recent mutiny by Wagner mercenaries in Russia. This is an internal matter for Russia. At the same time, it demonstrates once again that President Putin’s illegal war against Ukraine is a big strategic mistake. It has deepened divisions and created new tensions in Russia.”

*^{NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg meets with the President of France Emmanuel Macron, in Paris, France, on June 28, 2023. (Image Credit: NATO)}*

Stoltenberg added that “We must continue to provide support to Ukraine. Because the more land Ukraine is able to liberate, the stronger they will be at the negotiating table, and the better the chance will be for a just and lasting peace.”

Stoltenberg said that during the upcoming summit, the NATO states will discuss “a multi-year package of assistance” for Ukraine and further strengthen “deterrence and defense” as Allies are making new defense plans, “with assigned forces and capabilities, and high levels of readiness.”