Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs and the President of Poland Andrzej Duda,11 June 2024.

| NATO Secretary General:

President Rinkēvičs, dear Edgars, thank you for hosting us.

President Duda, dear Andrzej,
And also, President Klaus Iohannis,
Thank you for cochairing this very important B9 Summit.

We have just finished important discussions on our preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit and how to further boost our support for Ukraine.
 
The B9 countries play a critical role in NATO’s strengthened deterrence and defence.

You host our eight multinational battlegroups.

You have increased the readiness of your forces.

You lead by example on defence spending.

And you are at the forefront of Allied support to Ukraine.


 
Since 2014, NATO has implemented the largest reinforcement of our collective defence in a generation.

We have put in place the most comprehensive defence plans since the end of the Cold War.

We have more troops on higher readiness, backed by substantial air and naval power.

And there is increased defence spending across the whole NATO Alliance.

 
So let there be no doubt as to our ability to defend against any adversaries.

NATO has the forces, resources, capabilities and the political will to defend every Ally.

At the NATO Summit, I expect that Allies will take decisions to further strengthen our deterrence and defence.

Agreeing to a greater role for NATO in coordinating training and equipment for Ukraine.

And committing to a longterm financial pledge.

Since Russia’s fullscale invasion in 2022, Allies have provided around 40 billion euros worth of military support to Ukraine each year.


We must maintain this level of support for as long as necessary.
To ensure fresh funding every year.

Credible, longterm support sends a clear message to President Putin that he cannot wait us out.

So, thank you so much for hosting me. It's always a great pleasure to participate in the B9 meetings. Thank you.
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