Allies discuss NATO’s Open Door Policy as ministerial meeting wraps up

  • 27 Apr. 2018 -
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  • Last updated: 27 Apr. 2018 18:19

NATO Foreign Ministers wrapped up a day of meetings in Brussels on Friday (27 April 2018), making progress on key issues, including preparations for a new training mission in Iraq.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg officially closes the last North Atlantic Meeting in the current NATO Headquarters

Ministers began with a discussion on Russia, including the long-term implications of its foreign and defence policies. They reconfirmed NATO’s dual-track approach to Russia: strong deterrence and defence, combined with meaningful dialogue.

Addressing developments in the Middle East and North Africa, ministers focused on plans to launch a new training mission in Iraq. They agreed that the mission will include several hundred personnel to train Iraqi instructors and develop Iraqi military schools. Ministers also discussed new measures of support for Jordan and Tunisia, including border security, demining and security sector reform. “Our aim is to help manage crises in the region, to build the resilience of our partners,” said Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Allies also expressed their continued commitment to Afghanistan, welcoming President Ghani’s offer of peace talks and calling on regional actors to play a constructive role. “We urge the Taliban to take part in an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process. Pakistan’s role will be essential,” said the Secretary General.

Finally, ministers discussed NATO’s Open Door Policy and the progress made by aspirant countries. “Our Open Door policy is a historic success. It has brought stability, peace and prosperity to millions across the Euro-Atlantic region,” stressed Mr. Stoltenberg.

Closing the last ministerial at NATO’s current headquarters in Brussels, the Secretary General underlined that the Alliance’s commitment to its values and determination to preserve peace and security will never change.