Russian hybrid attacks on NATO member states threaten the Alliance’s security, presidents of Poland, Latvia, and Romania said in a joint statement after a meeting of the Bucharest Nine (B9) group.
Leaders from NATO’s eastern flank – including Poland, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary – along with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and new allies Sweden and Finland, convened in Riga on Tuesday for a B9 summit.
The letter said: “We meet in the 75th anniversary year of the strongest, most enduring, and most successful Alliance in history.”
After the summit, the presidents of Poland, Latvia and Romania issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to collective defense, increased defense investments, and supporting Ukraine.Today I am in #Riga to preside, together with President @edgarsrinkevics and President @AndrzejDuda, the #Bucharest9 Summit, coordinating on our joint priorities for the @NATO Summit in #Washington, especially enhancing security on the #EasternFlank & at the #BlackSea. #WeAreNATO pic.twitter.com/kEzbTBRnQ3
— Klaus Iohannis (@KlausIohannis) June 11, 2024
The letter said: “We meet in the 75th anniversary year of the strongest, most enduring, and most successful Alliance in history.”
They added that NATO remains as resolute and united as ever, especially with the recent inclusion of Sweden and Finland, which has further fortified the Alliance’s collective security.
“This is also reaffirming our commitment to the Open Door Policy,” they said.
The presidents highlighted the importance of the transatlantic bond, which is crucial for the security and unity of the Allies.
“Allies stand united and committed to deter and defend every inch of Allied territory,” the statement read, emphasizing their readiness to counter any aggression.
The leaders underscored the need to implement decisions from the Madrid and Vilnius Summits, which aim to significantly strengthen NATO's defense capabilities. This includes new defense plans, fully resourced with necessary forces, stockpiles, and capabilities, including air and missile defense.
The Allies reiterated their commitment to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense annually.
Addressing the ongoing threat posed by Russia, the leaders condemned its aggressive actions, including the war against Ukraine and various hybrid activities.
“Russia is and will remain the most significant and direct threat to Allied security,” they affirmed, committing to a comprehensive strategy to counter Russia’s threats.
They also reaffirmed “unwavering support for an independent and sovereign Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” emphasizing its importance for Euro-Atlantic stability.
“We fully support Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” they added.
“This is also reaffirming our commitment to the Open Door Policy,” they said.
The presidents highlighted the importance of the transatlantic bond, which is crucial for the security and unity of the Allies.
“Allies stand united and committed to deter and defend every inch of Allied territory,” the statement read, emphasizing their readiness to counter any aggression.
The leaders underscored the need to implement decisions from the Madrid and Vilnius Summits, which aim to significantly strengthen NATO's defense capabilities. This includes new defense plans, fully resourced with necessary forces, stockpiles, and capabilities, including air and missile defense.
The Allies reiterated their commitment to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense annually.
Addressing the ongoing threat posed by Russia, the leaders condemned its aggressive actions, including the war against Ukraine and various hybrid activities.
“Russia is and will remain the most significant and direct threat to Allied security,” they affirmed, committing to a comprehensive strategy to counter Russia’s threats.
They also reaffirmed “unwavering support for an independent and sovereign Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” emphasizing its importance for Euro-Atlantic stability.
“We fully support Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” they added.
The Riga summit reinforced NATO's collective resolve to strengthen its defenses, support Ukraine, and maintain a strategic posture against adversaries. The leaders emphasized their dedication to maintining a united and secure Alliance that was prepared to face any challenges that may arise.Looking forward to continue our debates at the #NATOSummit in Washington, with the Alliance standing as strong as ever, resolute and united.
— Klaus Iohannis (@KlausIohannis) June 11, 2024
Chairs’ Statement of Bucharest 9 Summit in Riga: https://t.co/2AnWYno9UD.
Source: PAP, presidency.ro
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