NATO Secretary General pre-ministerial press conference, 03 APR 2023

Pre-ministerial press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, 3 April 2023.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Good afternoon.
This is an historic week.
Tomorrow, we will welcome Finland as the thirty-first member of NATO.
Making Finland safer and our Alliance stronger.
We will raise the Finnish flag for the first time here at the NATO headquarters.
It will be a good day for Finland’s security, for Nordic security, and for NATO as a whole.
Sweden will also be safer as a result.
Last year Allies made an historic decision to invite Finland and Sweden to become members of NATO.
Since then we have seen the fastest ratification process in NATO’s modern history.
And all Allies agree that Sweden’s accession should be completed quickly.
NATO Foreign Ministers meet at an important moment for our security.
Tomorrow, we will hold the NATO-Ukraine Commission with Foreign Minister Kuleba.
To address Russia’s war of aggression, and our support to Kyiv.
We do not know when this war will end.
But when it does, we will need to put in place arrangements so that Ukraine can deter future aggression.
And history does not repeat itself.
We cannot allow Russia to continue to chip away at European security.
I welcome President Zelensky’s peace plan, which upholds the principles at the heart of the UN Charter.
It provides the foundation for a just and sustainable peace.
But there are no signs that President Putin is preparing for peace.
He is preparing for more war.
That is why we are united in our determination to stay the course.
And support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Allies have delivered 65 billion euros of military aid.
And I welcome that modern battle tanks and other armoured vehicles have started to arrive in Ukraine.
This can make a real difference on the frontlines, and allow the Ukrainian forces to liberate more territory.
We will discuss how we can step up our support, including by continuing to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces.
And supporting their transition from Soviet-era to NATO equipment and doctrine.
Our support is for the long-haul.
So I expect that ministers will agree to start work on developing a multi-year programme for Ukraine.
Allies will also discuss threats and challenges in the South.
Including instability, terrorism and the growing influence of Iran, Russia and China.
To address all of these challenges, it is essential that we invest more in defence.
At the Vilnius Summit, I expect Allies to agree an ambitious new defence investment pledge, with 2% of GDP for defence as a floor, not a ceiling.
On Wednesday, NATO’s Indo-Pacific partners - Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea, will join us.
Together with the European Union.
The consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine are global.
And what is happening in Europe today could happen in East Asia tomorrow.
So I welcome our partners’ strong support to Ukraine.
Including Japan’s recent announcement of contributions to NATO’s assistance fund for Ukraine.
We will discuss deepening cooperation in areas such as cyber defence, new technologies and countering disinformation.
We will also address China’s growing alignment with Russia.
Any provision of lethal aid by China to Russia would be a major mistake.
At a time when Russia and China are challenging the international order and democratic values,
it is even more important that we stand together as NATO Allies.
And with like-minded partners.
And with that, I am ready to take your questions.
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#NATO #OTAN #ForMin

[@peacelove2.0.69]

👍 to Finland.✌️

[@torsmork]

Jens Stoltenberg is a master in Keep It Simple Stupid. He really gets the points across. And his leadership experiences in navigating in the geopolitical landscape is invaluable. NATO is lucky to have a leader like that.

[@danielwhyatt3278]

Oh, I couldn’t agree more. Since he took over I couldn’t imagine it without him. He will be key continuing forward to a lot of its success.

[@stewartabel]

I agree! well said. I think one of the reasons he was asked to stay on beyond his term

[@rvbvbaservices]

I agree too, just the word 'stupid' is a bit over it :)

[@jimmcintosh184]

Jens Is the right man for the job at the right time in history I hav nothing but respect for Jens as a leader

[@yvonnewey]

Congratulations to Finland🍀🍀🍀

[@yohanessugiarto8620]

Congrats to Finn 🍀🍀🍀

[@phillipgoodwin7776]

The right move to join the winning team well done Finland 🎉

[@markmilan57]

Great news from NATO and congratulations to you and all the NATO members. The NATO family has expanded to 31. With Finland in the team now the NATO got more resources and more strength. Big blow to Putin.

[@glenchapman3899]

Yes Finland is definitely an an asset for NATO

[@John_Smith2302]

900,000 strong capable men that can pick up a firearm and use it. Russia is vastly outnumbered.

[@amogussussyimpostor3629]

This is Awesome Finland As A 31st Member.

[@ButchCassidyAndSundanceKid]

Welcome Finland to the fold. Two fingers to Russia and Putin. Sweden next !

[@nidhinkn5980]

Best wishes for NATO.

[@albertocontreras3312]

Best wishes to NATO, free world ; to the whole free democratic world

[@TomTom-xp2jb]

Actually this is just a formality as Finland and Sweden have always been good friends. Still it's great to have them officially in the family. Welcome aboard!!! 👍👍👍

[@hissatsu4937]

Sweden is not being left out like some people think or claim. Just bc two Nato members hasn't yet ratified Sweden's application, it doesn't mean Sweden's not being integrated into Nato. Sweden had close relations with Nato before they decided to apply for Nato membership. Now they're even closer after 28 members has ratified.

[@niklasleandr]

Sweden will be full member this summer.

[@408mile408]

Soon to be 29 after Finland joins. 👍🏼

[@summerrain7466]

As an American, I am always surprised to see such calm and decorum at press conferences in other countries.

[@Alexanderpaal67]

Welcome Finland to the Nato family. Nato is lucky to have Mr. Stoltenberg as the captain of the ship during these rough times. He was the best prime minister in Norwegian history. Hes leadership during one of Norways darkest hours during 22July 2011 terror attacks was invaluable. He has the ability & gift to unite during hardship & test. The right man in the right position at the right time. Thank You and keep up the good work in the name of global peace. God will give him more strength & endurance to stay the steady course of enduring peace. May He be with Nato for a long time.

[@richardhussey-cq2se]

Welcome too NATO Finland!

[@trevorhutchings4941]

What a year it's been for Jens Stoltenberg, I'm full of admiration for him. Congratulations to Finland and best wishes to Sweden in their quest to join.

[@carolchamberlin460]

How about Sweden? They need the same consideration.😊 Urkainin needs to be part of NATO too.

[@danielwhyatt3278]

Sweden will definitely be next. It’s only a matter of time. After that, and the war is over and won, Ukraine can become the 33rd member.😁

[@thomasstyan2066]

True. Once they have won, Ukraine should join too.

[@Taistelukalkkuna]

One step at time. These things are on the works. From what is to be understood.

[@phillipgoodwin7776]

Yes we need all Russian neighbours to be in nato that should make vladdo pretty happy 😅👌

[@humphreysbc]

+1❤

[@christophertavano2898]

wellcome to nato finland

[@Msevertrue147]

Thank you Finland 🙌🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@ashley99]

CONGRATULATIONS Finland! Soooo happy for your success in becoming officially becoming a NATO MEMBER. Bravo!😊 SWEDEN I cannot wait for your success as well.❤

[@victorhi1269]

Welcome friends!

[@jorgelascona726]

Defeat the agressor ones and for all.

[@phillipgoodwin7776]

Here here 👍

[@TroenderTass]

Welcome Lion of the North! We are so happy to have you with us.

[@WorldStarsOfficial]

Hallelujah Hosana!!! This is a good day for Europe. Thank God Almighty. Finland is secured from Putin - Russia.

[@roelragas6619]

Congratulations Finland NATO members . PH🇵🇭🇺🇲

[@roberthorton9855]

Welcome Finland to NATO and the civilised world! We need more countries to join also, the more that join the stronger we will get to thwart the threat of despot dictaters.We now await your neibour Sweden to the club! just brilliant news, today is a great day. Congratulations from Great Britain 🇬🇧 🇬🇧

[@donnapuleio627]

Well done Finland welcome.

[@gothicgolem2947]

Thanks for these there very useful

[@mattschroeder3432]

happy tears no fears ! congratulations Finland welcome to the family

[@erasmohernandez5539]

Thank you bro for all your hard work and stress you gave into those NATO countries... mutch brother love❤❤❤

[@user-sv2pt5nc6m]

Hope soon Sweden as well!, stronger than ever!,

[@bente1881]

I feel safe with this man in charge!

[@cbrun1482]

I agree @tormork: Jens Stoltenberg is a master in Keeping It Simple and to add, consistent with the message the position of NATO. Looking forward to finally seeing Sweden, Ukraine and others as members. The Rules of Law has to be the standard mantra for world order.

[@aev6577]

We appreciate Finland belong NATO , good decision. 🇫🇮 You're welcome 👏👏

[@kveldgorkon4611]

Congrats Finland !!!! .. Hopefully Sweden will Join Soon...

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

Welcome Findland! Congratulations NATO! Let's continue to grow the safety of the world by unity. Each member means a stronger community working together for peace and security for the world.

[@IusedtohaveausernameIliked]

As a Canadian I am happy to have Finland as an ally. Welcome aboard. We now have to bring Sweden on board as well (c'mon Turkiye you can do it). Too bad Mr. Putin, you don't get to decide how we free democracies choose our friends. Slava Ukraini!

[@lowridingtrucks88]

Congratulations 🍾 Finland and also NATO 🍾🎊🍺💪

[@80-80.]

Fantastic, I feel safer now as a European.

[@sannakarppinen4163]

Thank you all NATO countries for accepting us in to your family. 💗

[@duncanstewart6381]

Finland 🇫🇮

[@horstschauerte7992]

👍👍👍

[@pgr3290]

Welcome Finland we admire your brave historical legacy and strength in the face of Russian aggression. An asset to NATO.

[@monicahart3071]

Congrats!

[@apku04]

‘One for All and All for One'

[@thomasstyan2066]

I'm delighted. Welcome to Finland! With you joining, NATO is safer, and my country, the UK, is too. We will be even safer when Sweden and Ukraine have joined.

[@MrHaShBaSh1988]

Good we got Finland and Sweden in now we have other countries that are planning on joining the alliance in the future. Bosnia Herzegovina Georgia Kosovo and Jordan. All of these countries are paying attention to what Putin is doing and they want into the group and I don't blame them strength in numbers. There is even countries over in Asia that could join Nato in the future. Jens Stoltenberg talked about the quad which is Australia Japan India and the United States trying to help Taiwan over in the Pacific they should be NATO allies as well.

[@RandomRestore]

Awesome

[@mariaguadalupegarciagomez7957]

GREAT!!

[@kyne7509]

they are in lads!!!

[@annaylitalo6564]

🤍💙🇫🇮👍

[@socrates6870]

Way to go Finland!!! Welcome to the Alliance!!! The Baltic Sea will be way safer now!!!

[@ax.f-1256]

Tervetuloa Suomi 🇫🇮🤝🏻🇩🇪

[@datebmoborig]

Nice❤

[@TITANMAN251]

Welcome to NATO Finland! Sweden, Hope You're Next!

[@danmcbride6258]

It would great if NATO to set up a Naval Base in Crimea for NATO Members to rotate throughout the year. It will position Assets so that Russia will not repeat another assault.

[@keithkuckler2551]

Since the time of Peter the Great, Russia has always needed a warm water port on the Baltic. Much of the historic policy of Tsars, Soviets, and, now Putin has been to either control or nuetralize any threats to their access. With Finland, and, in time Sweden, in NATO, the Baltic will become a NATO lake. The small Russian enclave at Kaliningrad, is not defensible without the sea lane to Russia. With Sweden and the strategic island of Gotland, in the NATO defense system, and, of course the Danish control of the strait between Sweden and Denmark, NATO can deny Russia any use of the Baltic if it becomes necessary. Putin has thrown away what hundreds of years of Russian success in one move.

[@sonsofthesilentage994]

Jens Stoltenberg ... The right man at the right time ... ... Want to win, hire a Fin. Putin ... Your time is running shorter fella

[@opendrabudhathoki3371]

NATO has major role to maintain in Europe.

[@nostradamus3908]

This Nato's general is most wiser a man of europe. Nato is very lucky with this man

[@bonjourtoi3894]

Je suis si heureux. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[@rayjay5836]

Sounds like Finland will cross the Finnish Line.

[@ingejustavanderhelm5208]

But Finland now has a new PM. Senna Marin is out. What will happen now?

[@kriptedhalo993]

I'd like to know who could be the 33rd nato country and how long until then.

[@elenika1456]

So now when the time comes finland will have to ratify sweden or not?

[@studentstudent5044]

Sweden Will probably be accepted in July or right before July

[@TubeYouTakashi]

I wish Japan can join NATO someday soon

[@sunisaseasan2417]

🎉❤❤

[@petertwiss4215]

What I find unacceptable, is the total lack of Russian trolls here. The comedy is fading for me!

[@goodvibes0101]

Heroyam Slava, Sláva Ukrajíni let us the western democracies show a totalitarian regime that all sovereign democratic independent nations have the right to exist in peace. Only when all of Putin's serfs are expelled from all Ukrainian territory including Crimea will the suffering citizens of Ukraine be able to begin rebuilding their homeland. The sooner we the western democracies give Ukraine all it needs to make this a reality the sooner the death and destruction will cease.

[@Floridantea]

Change the title to General Secretary instead of Secretary General. That’s what NATO is. They need a General Secretary.

[@venki007f1]

Well done Vlad 🤣

[@John_Smith2302]

Every finish male can pick up a firearm and use it. They are a great edition to the largest superpower on earth.

[@DAILYBANTERR]

Sweden 🇸🇪 next 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@opendrabudhathoki3371]

NATO has major role to maintain peace in Ukraine

[@matthewbaynham6286]

Hang on, the.Finnish prime minister just lost her reelection and the winning party hasn't had enough time to put a coalition government together. So who exactly is going to represent Finland?

[@erasmohernandez5539]

I know is a thought job...but nothing u can't handle....

[@davidhynes]

I hope Soth Korea, Japan and Taiwan join NATO also everybody is welcome in this unstable world.

[@csg-cutesmilegooner1690]

I love NATO so much, I tell you those F-35s man...❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@matthewwiemken7293]

Everyone really should unite against Russia and its nuclear threats as well as those countries looking to take advantage of the situation.

[@nivdel]

The first thing to do is to plant a barrage of nuclear weapons in the ground aimed directly at Russia.

[@saullesperance2964]

Well done Finland, well-done NOTO! Old Puteen is pooing in its pant now, he couldn't stop it.

[@winstonross95]

Who laughing now Putin..

[@ianmarshall9057]

Nato strong ❤

[@ganimisa]

Glad to hear that NATO will support Ukraine for as long as it takes. This war will only end when Putin's regime ends and Ukraine regains all their territories.

[@ART-oq4ek]

NATO is a good military alliance.

[@goldengoatfilms98]

As soon as the Orcs have been kicked out of Ukraine, Ukraine should hold a vote on joining NATO.

[@Flornmonk]

Good job, Russia. You got the opposite of what you wanted.

[@phillipgoodwin7776]

Putin wanted less nato now Putin and nato are neighbours 😂❤😅 love thy neighbour vladdo

[@annabruce608]

help ukraine now not tomorrow or later.

[@mdayubkhan3080]

Congratu lation finland god bless you russia go home stop war

[@devoncavan6502]

Congratulations russia, you just recruited Finland into NATO🤣👍

[@zenki4566]

Ukraine 32member

[@Varangrir]

🇸🇪+🇹🇷=🤐

[@JosephHoggang-bk4bk]

So many many thanks to Putin for strengthening NATO.

[@Heikinnen0301]

THE BEST NATO SALESMAN OF THIS YEAR: PUTIN 🤡🇷🇺🤡

[@sherabtharzin115]

Russia government is crying and can’t do anything