Gom van Strien’s planned talks with party leaders have been cancelled after he stepped down
Jens Stoltenberg, the Nato secretary general, said today during their meeting this week the alliance’s foreign ministers “will discuss urgent security issues”.
We face the most dangerous world in decades: growing global competition, war in Ukraine and renewed conflict in the Middle East.
I call for an extension of the pause. This would allow for much-needed relief to the people of Gaza and the release of more hostages. The suffering we have seen underlines the need for a lasting political solution.
We have seen drone and rocket strikes on US positions in Syria and Iraq, as well as attacks on commercial shipping. This underlines the risk of escalation. Iran must reign in its proxies.
In recent weeks, Moscow has been facilitating the arrival of migrants at Finland’s border with Russia, prompting the closure of border crossing points, using migration to put pressure on a neighbour and a Nato ally. Nato stands in solidarity with our ally Finland.
Dialogue is important, and we must seek opportunities to work together on a range of issues, including climate and arms control. China is not an adversary, but Beijing’s actions challenge our security and we must work together to respond.
We have seen serious violence in northern Kosovo, divisive and secessionist rhetoric in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and malign attempts to sow dissent, including from Russia.
Ukraine continues to fight bravely, we continue to support them.
