Stoltenberg discussed financial aid for Ukraine with leadership of U.S. Congress
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (photo: Getty Images)
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, and other members of Congressional leadership in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, according to the NATO press service.
During the meeting with Johnson, Stoltenberg explained the complexities of the U.S.-Mexico border. The NATO Secretary-General emphasized the importance of providing financial assistance to Ukraine.
Stoltenberg remarked that he had stated NATO, of course, did not have a vote in resolving significant domestic issues in the U.S. but emphasized the importance for NATO that Congress adopts a resolution ensuring the continuation of support for Ukraine.
During the meeting, the NATO Secretary-General stressed that a strong NATO is in the strategic interest of the U.S. and that through NATO, the U.S. has more friends and allies than any other power.
"He further pointed to the importance of keeping NATO strong through increased defense investment, welcoming increases across all Allies in recent years. Mr Stoltenberg commended the U.S. for its support to Ukraine and highlighted that this support remains decisive for Ukraine’s survival and Europe’s stability," the statement said.
Mr. Stoltenberg met with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and participated in a discussion focused on Ukraine with several Republican representatives.
He concluded by meeting with the Co-Chairs of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the leadership of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The NATO press service reminded that on Wednesday, the Secretary-General will deliver a speech at the Heritage Foundation and travel to Troy, Alabama, to visit the Missiles and Fire Control Facility of Lockheed Martin.
Support for Ukraine from NATO
On Monday, January 29, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg arrived on an official visit to the U.S.
On the same day, he held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The sides discussed assistance to Ukraine, particularly emphasizing the critical need for the rapid increase in weapon production.
Recently, the Alliance's Secretary-General stated that NATO and EU allies should intensify efforts ahead of the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and provide more assistance to Kyiv.
According to the Institute for the Study of War, the recent shelling of infrastructure objects in Russia is a result of Ukraine's recent secret development of its weapons. However, to establish mass production of such armaments, especially with the involvement of modern Western technologies, Kyiv needs to address several challenges.
