They will focus on the NATO 2030 initiative, which is at the heart of the upcoming Summit of NATO leaders on June 14 in Brussels.

They are also expected to discuss topical issues, including the way forward for NATO’s engagement in Afghanistan, and developments in Belarus and Ukraine.

“This is a pivotal moment for our Alliance, and our collective security,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at a virtual press conference.

“In a more competitive and unpredictable world, we need transatlantic unity; Europe and North America standing strong together in NATO; so the goal of our NATO 2030 initiative is to prepare our Alliance for the future. Over the past months, Allies have been consulting closely and constructively; we still have some work to do, but we all agree that we must take ambitious and forward-looking decisions to show transatlantic unity not just in words, but in deeds,” he pointed out.

“All of this work will require continued investment in our defense. We are on the right track, with seven consecutive years of increases by European Allies and Canada and we need to keep up the momentum. We need to spend more, but we also need to spend better. Therefore, Allies should invest more together, because pooling our resources is a force multiplier and a more effective way to boost our common security; and it sends a powerful message of unity and resolve – both to our own people and to any potential adversary,” the Secretary-General said. (ILKHA)