Visiting Washington on Tuesday (13 June 2023), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and thanked him for the US leadership in a critical time for our security. He also thanked President Biden and the United States for their commitment to strengthening the transatlantic bond, and the support provided to Ukraine.
The Secretary General noted that the support NATO allies and partners are delivering to Ukraine is making a difference on the battlefield, and has enabled the Ukrainian counteroffensive now underway. He stressed that at the Vilnius Summit in July, NATO leaders will sustain and step up support for Ukraine. They will also take decisions to further strengthen NATO deterrence and defence, including a stronger commitment to increase defence spending. Mr. Stoltenberg said he looks forward to welcoming Sweden as a full member of NATO as soon as possible.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Secretary General met Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and a number of other US Senators.
