Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg commended Czechia for its vital role in NATO in a visit to Prague on Thursday (30 May 2024). The Czech capital will host an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers on Thursday and Friday.
Meeting with Prime Minister Petr Fiala, the Secretary General thanked Czechia for its substantial contributions to the Alliance and its significant aid to Ukraine. He highlighted that "Czechia hosts hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees," and provides critical military equipment to Ukraine, "including tanks, helicopters and air defence missiles." He also welcomed that the Czech-led ammunition initiative is providing more artillery shells for Ukraine, with deliveries expected soon. "It's really making a difference," he said.
Later, at a speech at the Senate of the Parliament, Mr Stoltenberg highlighted the importance of the upcoming Washington Summit in July, with NATO Foreign Ministers preparing the ground this week in Prague. Mr Stoltenberg said he expects leaders in Washington to take important decisions in three areas: strengthening NATO's defences, increasing support for Ukraine, and deepening NATO's partnerships.
On Thursday night, Czech President Petr Pavel will award the Secretary General the Order of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk in a ceremony at Prague Castle. Foreign Ministers will gather for a working session on Friday.
