NATO Public Statement

PUBLIC STATEMENT

THE NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL

Standing by its member -state , Norway

Appreciating the Alliance’s close relationship with its external partner, Finland

Respecting the principles of the Washington Treaty, and most importantly articles 2 and 3

Highlighting NATO’s operational self-efficiency

Concerned about the recent threats of aggression in the Nordic Region

1) Condemns the violation of Finland’s national airspace by Russian Air Forces.

2) Supports Finland’s sovereign right to determine its internal matters of importance, including but not limited to the distribution of visas to ethnic Russian individuals, due to the provocative actions taken by the Russian Federation.

3) Calls upon bilateral dialogue considering the supply line in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, in order to avoid possible harmful humanitarian consequences to the residents.

4) Reassures that the new center in Norway aims at strengthening NATO’s deterrence through common operating mechanisms.

5) Endorses the utilization of the center for the enhancement of the partnership with the European Union, through the European Union Maritime Security Strategy which features cooperation with NATO such as fostering partnership in the area of maritime training education and security, in order to improve our regional situational awareness.