NATO Foreign Ministers to Discuss Security Challenges, Relations with Russia

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a press briefing after a meeting in Brussels, Belgium, 24 November 2015. Photo: EPA

The foreign ministers of NATO member countries will convene at a two-day meeting in Brussels on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss current security issues and challenges.

The main issues on the agenda are Afghanistan, challenges from the south, relations with Russia, support to Ukraine and Montenegro’s bid to join NATO.

The ministerial starts with a meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani to discuss the future developments within the Resolute Support mission.

The second session will focus on challenges coming from the south, with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini taking part in the discussion.

Measures to support Turkey as well as increasing support for partners in North Africa and the Middle East will also be discussed as primary tools to counter challenges to the south.

Among the priorities on the agenda is the state of NATO’s relations with Russia in the aftermath of Russian actions in Ukraine and its military build-up in the Union's neighbourhood.

In addition, ministers will discuss how to modernise the rules governing military activities in Europe, such as observation and notification of military exercises.

Foreign ministers are also expected to adopt NATO’s new hybrid warfare strategy, which is aimed at helping member countries to prepare, deter and defend against hybrid attacks.

At the start of the second day, the ministers will decide whether to invite Montenegro to begin accession talks to join NATO.

The ministerial will wrap up with a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin to discuss Ukraine’s reform path and review NATO’s practical support to the country.

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