The NATO defence Ministers reviewed the Alliance’s response to the pandemic coronavirus and agreed on subsequent steps to be taken to provide support to allies and partner States, said the Secretary General of the organization Jens Stoltenberg

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization / Flickr

He also said that one of the challenges in the field of security for the Alliance that Russia does not reduce military activity, despite the pandemic

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization / Flickr

The NATO defence Ministers reviewed the Alliance’s response to the pandemic coronavirus and agreed on subsequent steps to be taken to provide support to allies and partner States, said the Secretary General of the organization Jens Stoltenberg. He also said that one of the challenges in the field of security for the Alliance that Russia does not reduce military activity, despite the pandemic.

“COVID-19 represents an unprecedented challenge to our States. It has a profound impact on our people and our economies. As a result of the crisis, the international system has undergone a historical shocks, which can have long-term consequences,” – said Stoltenberg on Wednesday after a meeting of defense Ministers of the NATO countries, held in videoconference format. His words leads to “Interfax”.

According to NATO Secretary General, the crisis has demonstrated the resilience and cohesion of the Alliance members. “Our armed forces are already playing a key role in supporting national civil efforts (in the fight against coronavirus. – Approx. “Interfax”)”, – he added.

The NATO Secretary General announced that the Supreme commander of allied NATO forces in Europe, General Todd Walters briefed the Ministers on the efforts made to ensure the most efficient use of military resources of the organization to help against COVID-19.

Stoltenberg cited data according to which the armed forces of NATO conducted more than 100 air missions for the transport of medical personnel and medical supplies, contributed to the construction of 25 field hospitals, provided more than 25 thousand additional beds, and more than 4 thousand personnel of the health services involved in supporting civilian efforts.

Ministers continued Stoltenberg also discussed the deterrence and defense. He believes that the challenges in the security sector has not diminished because of the pandemic. “On the contrary, potential adversaries will attempt to use the situation to promote their interests. Can emboldened terrorist groups. The situation in the security sphere in Afghanistan and Iraq remains unstable. And we see that not reduced the pace of military activity of Russia”, – said the NATO Secretary General.

“While we continue to take all necessary action to protect our armed forces (from the coronavirus. – Approx. “Interfax”), our operational readiness remains inviolable. And our forces remain ready, vigilant and prepared to respond to any threat,” Stoltenberg said.

In addition, he said, the North Atlantic Council at the level of Ministers of defense discussed “the importance of countering misinformation on the part of both state and non-state actors who are trying to sow divisions in NATO and Europe and undermine our democracy.”

The Ministers also reviewed the “long-term consequences of the crisis in the health sector”.

“The geopolitical impact of a pandemic can be significant. Some (of the country. – Approx. “Interfax”) can try to use the economic downturn to investment in our vital industries and infrastructure, which in turn can affect our security in the long term and our ability to cope with the next crisis when it is offensive,” – said the head of NATO.

Therefore, he said the defence Ministers discussed how the Alliance should prepare for the long-term effects of the pandemic.

According to Stoltenberg, the conclusions to do still early, but it is obvious that NATO needs to further strengthen the sustainability of their societies. Ministers agreed a number of recommendations aimed at strengthening such resilience, based on lessons learned from the crisis COVID-19, announced Secretary General of NATO.