Stoltenberg recognises Slovakia's part in collective security

Slovakia is a responsible ally that contributes to collective security, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in Bratislava on Thursday. Together with the Slovak Defence Minister Martin Glváč they also discussed issues such as expenses towards defence, joint training and the situation in Ukraine. Martin Glváč reaffirmed Slovakia's adherence to the goals it committed to at the NATO summit in Wales last year. They include halting the drop in expenses towards defence, increasing the ratio to 1.6 percent of GDP towards the sector by 2020, and allocating 20 percent of defence expenses towards the modernisation of the armed forces. NATO Secretary General praised Slovakia for delivering on its commitments, and went on to call the country a responsible ally, including with respect to the situation in Ukraine. He also urged compliance with the Minsk agreements and use of diplomatic means to resolve the crisis in Ukraine. At the same time, he pointed to Russia's role in increasing tension by providing military support to separatists, having its soldiers in eastern Ukraine as well as its strong military presence at Ukraine's borders.