NATO to strengthen security in Black Sea Region

By Tea Mariamidze

Friday, October 28

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltengerg said the Alliance never looks for confrontations with Russia.

Georgia’s Foreign Minister welcomed the NATO decision to strengthen security in the Black Sea Region.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is going to increase its military presence in the Black Sea region. The statement was made by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg after a meeting of the North Atlantic Council with NATO Defense Ministers on Wednesday.

The Secretary General stressed that six nations had indicated their willingness to contribute to NATO presence in the Black Sea region, on land, at sea and in the air.

“They are Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey and the United States. Other allies are also looking into how they can contribute,” Stoltenberg stated.

Stoltenberg also noted that NATO should react when Russia is increasing its military potential and threatening rhetoric.

“We saw that Russia is prepared to use military force against its neighboring Crimea, Ukraine and Georgia,” the Secretary Genera saidl.

However, he underlined that NATO never seeks confrontation with Russia.

“Now we do not want a new military conflict or Cold War, and that is why NATO’s actions are defensive and proportional. NATO is strong not because we want to provoke conflict but because we want to prevent conflict, and the best way to do that is to stay strong, united and be firm in our response,” Stoltenberg added.

Furthermore, Secretary General stated that Georgia is a “valuable and precious” partner for NATO.

“We closely cooperate with Georgia and strengthen partnership. This is very important for both-NATO and Georgia's Security,” he said.

Georgia’s Foreign Minister, Mikheil Janelidze, welcomed NATO’s decision to increase its presence in the Black Sea region.

According to the Minister, NATO wants to contribute to the stability outside its borders, and to help its partner and aspirant states, including Georgia, increase the defense and stability.

“We welcome this decision. On its own, Georgia is ready to continue contributing to the security of Euro-Atlantic area and its integral part, the Black Sea region,” said Janelidze.