National Security Advisers from across the Alliance met in Brussels on Thursday (07 October 2021) to review progress in key areas, including enhancing deterrence and defence, technological innovation and responding to climate change. ”Today’s meeting was a significant step towards the NATO Summit in Madrid next year, where we will continue our military and political adaptation”, NATO Secretary General said after the meeting.
Mr. Stoltenberg said that the National Security Advisors discussed NATO’s next official master strategy document, its “Strategic Concept” which will be adopted at the Summit. On Afghanistan, the Secretary General reiterated the need for NATO to do its part to help preserve the gains made in the fight against terrorism. He added that discussions also touched on the lessons that can be drawn from the Alliance’s 18 year engagement in Afghanistan.
Turning to the recent AUKUS deal that led to disagreements among some Allies, the Secretary General emphasized the need for cohesion about the Alliance’s strategic goals. “As Allies, we do not always see eye-to-eye on everything, all of the time. But we never lose sight of the big picture”, Mr. Stoltenberg said. “At a time of increased global competition, Europe and North America must continue to stand strong together in NATO.”