NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană concluded his trip to Madrid on Thursday (29 February 2024) with an address to the students and staff of IE University.
Mr Geoană highlighted the central role that Spain plays in protecting NATO Allies from all threats from all directions. He also underlined Spain's important military and humanitarian support to Ukraine as they face Russia's brutal war of aggression. Mr Geoană emphasised that NATO is embracing the full 'innovation ecosystem' - the triple helix of government, private sector and academia - and that combining efforts is the best way to accelerate progress and develop the most effective technologies for our security and defence. He also emphasised the importance of encouraging the next generation to drive innovation, because the challenges we face demand new thinking and creativity.
During his trip to Madrid, Mr Geoană met with the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares Bueno. He also met with Spanish technology and defence industry representatives.
