NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

© EPA-EFE/TATYANA ZENKOVICH

BRUSSELS, July 11. /TASS/. The heads of state and government of the 29 NATO countries approved the establishment by 2020 of 30 battalions and 30 aviastroy, ready to deploy in 30 days. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a press conference on the first day of the summit.

Expert opinion

Author: DUBROVIN Denis
Dubrovin
Denis

NATO summit: how to capitalize on the defense
Go to Opinions

“We took the initiative “4 to 30″ – the creation by 2020 of 30 battalions and 30 aviastroy, ready to deploy in 30 days,” he said.

In addition, the summit approved the establishment of departments on cyber defence and the fight against hybrid threats. “We have approved the establishment of a centre on cyber defence and the establishment of units to combat hybrid threats,” Stoltenberg said .

The summit adopted a decision on creation of two new headquarters of the Alliance in the USA and Germany. “We also approved the creation of two new commands in the United States and Germany”, – said the Secretary General of the Alliance.

The heads of state and government of countries – members of NATO approved the creation of a non-combat mission of the Alliance in Iraq, to be chaired by Canada. “We initiated the creation of today’s new training mission in Iraq, and I welcome the fact that Canada has agreed to lead it,” – said Stoltenberg.

In turn, the press service of the canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will lead the new military mission of NATO trainers in Iraq in the fall 2018 to fall 2019. “Since the founding of NATO in 1949, Canada played a prominent and active role in the mission [of the Alliance] to promote peace and security, the Prime Minister said. We are proud to be leading the [new NATO mission] in Iraq and will work with our allies and Iraqi authorities to help the middle East region enjoy peace and stability.”

As noted by the press service, the goal of NATO instructors would be the creation in Iraq of an effective national security system and training of relevant personnel. Canada will be sending 250 instructors.

According to him, the meeting also approved the national plans to increase military spending countries of the Alliance to $266 billion by 2024. “According to the national plans of the European allies and Canada, we expect an increase in defense spending of $266 billion up to 2024,” – said Stoltenberg.

It is also reported that the leaders of some NATO countries announced at the summit on the allocation of new funds and troops for the missions of the Alliance. “I welcome the fact that many of the leaders announced new contributions to the mission and initiatives of NATO,” Stoltenberg said.