NATO Will Strengthen Its Presence in the Black Sea Region

The Alliance declared support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia and Ukraine. The North Atlantic Alliance will strengthen its assistance to Georgia and Ukraine, and will as well expand its presence in the Black Sea region. This announced NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday, December 2 at an online press conference following the Alliance countries meeting at the level of foreign ministers, including Ukraine and Georgia. "Russia continues violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and Ukraine. It is building up its military power in Crimea and is increasingly deploying forces in the Black Sea region. NATO is responding to this by strengthening its presence on land, at sea and in the air," the secretary general stressed. Stoltenberg also appreciated the partnership between Georgia and Ukraine, noting that these countries make an important contribution to the NATO mission. "Today we reiterated our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia and Ukraine. We discussed their reform programs. And we are strengthening our practical support," the secretary general concluded. Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said that Kiev needs to strengthen cooperation with NATO countries in the Black Sea. In this connection, the authorities are seeking to increase the number of Alliance exercises in the region.