NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg joined world leaders in New York at the opening of the High-Level Debate of the United Nations General Assembly's 77th Session on Tuesday (20 September 2022).
This year's theme - "A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges" - recognises that the world is at a critical moment due to complex and interconnected crises, including Russia's war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change.
On Tuesday the NATO Secretary General held a bilateral meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu to discuss Russia's war in Ukraine and reiterate NATO's ongoing support for partner countries, including Moldova. While in New York, the NATO Secretary General is scheduled to meet and exchange views with other leaders and officials.
In response to the announcement that the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic" are set to hold referenda on becoming part of Russia, Mr Stoltenberg said, "sham referendums have no legitimacy and do not change the nature of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. This is a further escalation in Putin's war. The international community must condemn this blatant violation of international law and step up support for Ukraine."
NATO and the United Nations share a commitment to maintaining international peace and security and have expanded their cooperation over the past decade. Earlier this year NATO Allies adopted a new Strategic Concept, which reinforced the Alliance's intention to retain a global perspective and work closely with partners, including international organisations.
