NATO Defence Ministers met “close partners” Ukraine and Georgia in Brussels on Thursday.

The meeting addressed the continued threat of Russian aggression, deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea region, and NATO’s strong political and practical support for both countries, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said following the meeting.

NATO Chief reconfirmed that NATO’s open-door policy stands.

“Allies confirmed that NATO’s door remains open; any decision on NATO membership is for NATO Allies and aspirant countries to take; nobody else,” Jens Stoltenberg added.

NATO Secretary-General reiterated the alliance’s strong political and practical support for both Georgia and Ukraine as well as for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of both countries.

“NATO Allies restated their strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Georgia and Ukraine. We cannot accept a return to an age of spheres of influence, where big powers bully, intimidate or dictate to others. There can be no decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine; and no decisions about Georgia without Georgia,” NATO Secretary-General stated.