NATO Defence Ministers discuss security challenges, including situation in northeast Syria

  • 24 Oct. 2019 -
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  • Last updated: 24 Oct. 2019 20:12

NATO Defence Ministers met in Brussels on Thursday (24 October 2019) to discuss a wide range of issues, including the situation in northeast Syria.

Official Family Portrait

There are different views among Allies, and we had a frank and open discussion, but we focused on the way forward,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Noting the significant reduction in violence over the last week, the Secretary General stressed the importance of finding a political solution to the conflict. Ministers agreed on the need to maintain commitments to missions and operations in the region, as well as safeguarding the gains made in the fight against ISIS.

Ministers also discussed NATO’s missions and operations, from the Western Balkans to the Middle East, which play a key role in collective security. NATO’s readiness initiative was also high on the agenda, with several Allies announcing contributions. 

Read the Secretary General’s press conference here