Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg

FP Report

WASHINGTON DC: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today in Brussels ahead of the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting. Secretary Blinken and Secretary General Stoltenberg discussed key priorities for the Washington Summit, including strengthening our shared commitment to Ukraine, furthering NATO’s Indo-Pacific and EU partnerships, and building upon collective defense commitments. They also noted the strength of the Alliance, with Finland and Sweden participating as members and increased investment by Allies.

Meanwhile the Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The Secretary reinforced the importance of the U.S.-Azerbaijan bilateral relationship and highlighted a growing number of partnership initiatives, including energy and climate priorities. Secretary Blinken and President Aliyev discussed the importance of advancing the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which would bring economic benefits to the entire region. The Secretary underscored that there is no justification for increased tension on the border and cautioned that aggressive actions and rhetoric from any side would undermine prospects for peace. The Secretary reiterated the need for Azerbaijan to adhere to its international obligations and commitments regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms and urged the release of those unjustly detained.