NATO Secretary General thanks the Czech Republic for being a ''very committed Ally''
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg thanked the Czech Republic for its contributions to the Alliance during his first official visit to Prague on Wednesday (9 September 2015). Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, Mr. Stoltenberg called the country “a staunch and very committed Ally”.
The Secretary General expressed appreciation for the recent air patrols and training carried out by Czech fighter jets in Iceland. He also welcomed the Czech Republic’s efforts to build capabilities in key areas, such as logistics.
“The Czech Republic is really contributing to our Alliance and collective defence, and we are very grateful for that,” Mr. Stoltenberg said. He stressed that the Alliance is adapting to meet new challenges, including by opening new small headquarters in six Eastern European Allies; boosting the NATO Response Force with a new Spearhead Force at its core; and developing ways to deal with hybrid threats.
“As security challenges grow, it is also vital that we invest more in our defence,” the Secretary General said. He commended the Czech Republic for turning around its economy following the financial crisis, adding that this would enable the country to “also increase investment in defence”. Mr. Stoltenberg welcomed the Czech Republic’s commitment to spending 2% of GDP on defence – a key NATO benchmark.
While in Prague, the Secretary General met with Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaorálek, Defence Minister Martin Stropnický, President of the Chamber of Deputies Jan Hamáček, President of the Senate Milan Štěch, and other high level officials.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Secretary General and Prime Minister Sobotka visited Prague-Ruzyne, where they met with US troops taking part in a military convoy from Germany to Hungary.
On Thursday (10 September 2015), Mr Stoltenberg will meet with Czech President Miloš Zeman. The Secretary General will then depart for a visit to the Slovak Republic.