Today: 11 July 2025
5 April 2024
2 mins read

Foreign ministers mark 75 years of NATO

Seventy-five years later, NATO has 32 members and has retaken a central role in world affairs, after Russia’s war in Ukraine prompted European governments to view Moscow once more as a major security threat…reports Asian Lite News

On the second day of a meeting in Brussels, the ministers will mark the signing in Washington on April 4, 1949, of the North Atlantic Treaty that established the transatlantic political and military alliance.

“As we face a more dangerous world, the bond between Europe and North America has never been more important,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday.

NATO began with 12 members from North America and Europe, founded in response to growing fears that the Soviet Union posed a military threat to European democracies.

At its heart is the concept of collective defence, the idea that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, giving US military protection to Western Europe.

Seventy-five years later, NATO has 32 members and has retaken a central role in world affairs, after Russia’s war in Ukraine prompted European governments to view Moscow once more as a major security threat.

NATO’s two newest members, Finland and Sweden, joined in direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

“We will continue to strengthen our alliance,” Stoltenberg told reporters. “And we will continue to work with our partners across the globe for peace and security.”

Russia said on Wednesday that NATO had returned to a Cold War mindset. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters NATO had no place in the “multipolar world” Moscow says it seeks to build to end U.S. dominance.

On Wednesday, NATO ministers agreed to start planning for a greater NATO role in coordinating security assistance and training for Ukraine.

Under a proposal by Stoltenberg, NATO would take over work done by a US-led ad-hoc coalition known as the Ramstein group, in part to guard against any cut in US support if Donald Trump returns to the White House, diplomats said.

Stoltenberg has also proposed a fund of 100 billion euros (about $108 billion) to support Ukraine’s military over five years, according to diplomats.

It is not clear whether that figure will be accepted by NATO, which takes decisions by consensus.

On Thursday, the ministers will also meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Kuleba told Reuters he would press them to provide more Patriot air defence systems to protect against frequent Russian ballistic missile attacks.

“Partners did provide us with their different (air defence) systems, we appreciate that, but it’s just simply insufficient, given the scale of the war,” Kuleba said.

NATO countries could spare more Patriots if they had the political will to do so, he said. 

ALSO READ-NATO chief floats €100 bn Ukraine fund

Previous Story

Judges, intel experts call for halt to Israeli arms sales

Next Story

Europe and US need each other, says Stoltenberg  

Latest from -Top News

Masdar powers ahead in UK

€15 billion clean energy alliance powers ahead with East Anglia THREE investment and Baltic Eagle energisation….reports Asian Lite News Masdar, the UAE-based global clean energy powerhouse, and Iberdrola, one of the world’s

Indian Doctor Gets Top Sharjah Award

The award was presented by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. In a moment of immense pride for the Indian diaspora, renowned paediatrician-turned-entrepreneur Dr.

Peace talks in the desert

President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE’s unwavering support for initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable peace, dialogue, and development in the South Caucasus. He also applauded the willingness of the Armenian and

World’s energy thirst to grow: OPEC

UAE sticks to 5 million bpd oil output goal as OPEC launches new World Oil Outlook at Vienna seminar…reports Asian Lite News Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Petroleum

Red Sea Warzone

Iran-backed rebels intensify maritime assaults in support of Gaza; US and EU condemn abductions, Israel intercepts missile….reports Asian Lite News The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have stepped up their maritime offensive in the
Go toTop

Don't Miss

NATO to Launch Official Ukraine Aid Mission

NSATU would see NATO officially coordinate military aid to Ukraine

Russia asks NATO to deal own problems

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said “we have seen a