“I expect that NATO leaders will recommit to continue broad support to these highly valued partner nations [Georgia, Ukraine] of NATO,” Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, said ahead of the meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs and NATO Ministers of Defence on Monday in Brussels.  Secretary-General responded to the question asked by GPB reporter concerning NATO’s open-door policy.

“NATO’s open-door policy has been a great success. It has helped to spread democracy and the rule of law through Europe after the end of World War II. We have almost doubled the number of NATO members. NATO’s door remains open and we have demonstrated that over the last few years, by having first Montenegro and last year Northern Macedonia as new members. We are working with aspirant countries like Georgia and Ukraine. Our message is that the focus should be on reforms to modernize defense and security institutions. Because we believe that this is the best way to move towards further Euro-Atlantic integration. But, we also believe that reforms to modernize defense and security institutions also aim in itself. We continue to provide support. We help with various programs. We will continue to do that. I expect that NATO leaders will recommit to continue broad support to these highly valued partner nations of NATO,” Jens Stoltenberg stated.

The leaders of NATO nations will meet in Brussels on  June 14.