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NATO Secretary-General Calls for Increased Defense Spending at Heritage Foundation
US Should Focus on Top Priority by Strengthening NATO and Reducing Ukraine Dependence
Washington, D.C. (January 31, 2024)
During a speech at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called for increased and sustained defense spending from member states. He emphasized the importance of a stronger NATO alliance to counter growing threats from adversaries and to ensure the security of the Euro-Atlantic region.
"Sustained and sufficient financial contributions by all members are crucial for the Alliance to continue its adaptation and maintain a credible and effective deterrence and defense posture," said Secretary-General Stoltenberg.
Secretary-General Stoltenberg also discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and called for continued support for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. However, he stressed the need for Ukraine to become less dependent on Western aid and for European allies to increase their defense capabilities to support Ukraine. This would allow the United States to focus on its own strategic priorities.
"We need to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself in the long term," said Secretary-General Stoltenberg. "This requires helping Ukraine transition from Soviet-era equipment to modern NATO-standard equipment and training its forces to use and maintain these systems effectively."
The Heritage Foundation is a conservative think tank that promotes free markets, limited government, individual liberty, and a strong national defense. Secretary-General Stoltenberg's speech was part of the foundation's ongoing discussion series on the future of NATO and the transatlantic alliance.
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