Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić 3 and 4 April 2019 in Washington attended a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.
A ceremony was held to mark the Alliance’s 70th anniversary. The member states adopted a statement confirming their commitment to the Alliance and the values it was founded on.
The ministers discussed the topical international security challenges, such as terrorism and hybrid and cyber threats, as well as the future of transatlantic cooperation and a more just division of financial obligation as one of the crucial elements of allied solidarity.
Also discussed were relations with Russia, as well as specific issues such as Russia’s violations of the INF Treaty, situation in the Black Sea Region and the non-traditional (hybrid and cyber) challenges coming from the Russian side. The ministers adopted a set of measures aimed at improving security in the Black Sea Region, including additional assistance for Ukraine and Georgia.
In regards to the fight against terrorism, the ministers discussed the recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa. They reviewed further possible activities in combating terrorism, such as training partner countries in said regions to become more independently effective.
A special part of the meeting was dedicated to Afghanistan’s peace process and its effect on NATO’s future engagement in that country.