NATO Summit In Vilnius: Final Statement Issued
- 11.07.2023, 18:51
The Allies outlined their vision of Ukraine's path to NATO membership.
NATO member states agreed on a joint communiqué on Ukraine during discussions at the summit in Vilnius. Allies outlined their vision of Ukraine's path to NATO membership.
Charter97.org reported with reference to the text of the communiqué.
What is the communiqué about?
1. NATO Heads of State and Government reaffirmed their enduring transatlantic bond, unity, cohesion, and solidarity at a critical time for security and international peace and stability.
“We will continue to ensure our collective defence from all threats, no matter where they stem from, based on a 360-degree approach, to fulfil NATO’s three core tasks of deterrence and defence, crisis prevention and management, and cooperative security,” the communiqué reads.
2. NATO leaders warmly welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council.
“We look forward to our valuable exchanges with the Heads of State and Government of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea, as well as the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission at this Summit.,” the document reads.
3. NATO welcomes Finland as a new member of the Alliance. This is a historic step for both Finland and NATO.
4. Allies reaffirmed their commitment to NATO’s Open Door policy and to Article 10 of the Washington Treaty.
“Every nation has the right to choose its own security arrangements. We look forward to welcoming Sweden as a full member of the Alliance,” the document reads.
5. Peace in the Euro-Atlantic area has been shattered. The Russian Federation has violated the norms and principles that contributed to a stable and predictable European security order.
“The Russian Federation is the most significant and direct threat to Allies’ security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. Terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, is the most direct asymmetric threat to the security of our citizens and to international peace and prosperity. The threats we face are global and interconnected.,” the communiqué reads.
6. Conflicts, fragility and instability in Africa and the Middle East directly affect the security of the Alliance and its partners.
“China’s (PRC) stated ambitions and coercive policies challenge our interests, security and values. We remain open to constructive engagement with the PRC, including to build reciprocal transparency, with a view to safeguarding the Alliance’s security interests,” the document reads.
At the same time, it is noted that the Alliance continues to be confronted by cyber, space, hybrid and other asymmetric threats, and by the malicious use of emerging and disruptive technologies.
NATO promised a powerful signal
It should be noted that today the NATO Secretary General promised that Ukraine will receive a strong message following this summit in Vilnius. He noted that NATO member states will make strong decisions on Ukraine.
At the same time, a similar statement was made in Washington. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan promised that the US would "send a positive signal" regarding Ukraine's membership in the Alliance.
It should be noted that not all NATO member states are unanimous in their vision of the prospects for Ukraine's membership. According to a number of foreign media, some states are not ready to go too far, fearing that a promise to Ukraine regarding NATO could allegedly give Russia an incentive to both escalate and prolong the war.
Ukraine’s Expectations
As for the expectations of Ukraine. The Ukrainian authorities have made it clear that they expect a clear political decision regarding NATO membership from the Allies following the summit.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky noted that Ukraine understands that it will not become a member of the Alliance during the war, but wants to get a clear answer from the Allies that this will happen after the victory over the occupiers. Kyiv expects stable security guarantees from its partners during the war, and after it - acceptance into the Alliance.
NATO Summit in Vilnius
Recall that the NATO summit started in Vilnius today, and it will continue tomorrow. The main reason for the Allies to gather is to determine the future of Ukraine in the Alliance and its fight against Russian aggression. Namely, providing military support for Ukraine. As partners announced, this summit will agree on a new NATO military assistance package for Ukraine.
As Charter97.org reported, Ukraine will be accepted to NATO under an accelerated procedure.