Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underlined that NATO has implemented the “most robust collective defence since the Cold War,” with more forces at higher readiness and more capabilities to protect citizens and Allied territory, “not to start wars, but to prevent them”.

The Alliance is working more closely with partners to make national forces more interoperable and increase cooperation on issues of shared interest, including China.

Lastly, Mr Stoltenberg pointed to the importance of increased defence investment to keep the Alliance strong.

Allies recently have agreed to purchase 120 billion dollars’ worth of weapons from U.S. defence companies.

The Secretary General later travelled to Troy, Alabama, to visit the Missiles and Fire Control Facility of Lockheed Martin. He will conclude his trip by visiting the headquarters of the US Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida.

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Read also: NATO Military Committee discusses alliance’s deterrence and defence posture

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