Mr. Geoană noted that the Black Sea is key for NATO’s deterrence and defence, and reflects “the broader competition between revisionist and brutal and aggressive Russia and our democratic world”.
He also welcomed efforts to transfer grain out of Ukraine and Turkey’s assistance in restricting access to Russian warships. He commended the NATO Allies surrounding the Black Sea for their commitment to strengthen the Alliance and support Ukraine as it confronts Russia’s aggression.
The Deputy Secretary General also praised the historic decisions made at the earlier-this-week NATO summit in Madrid, especially those regarding a fundamental change in the Alliance’s deterrence and defence strategy as well as increased support for Ukraine.
The Black Sea Summit, organised by the CSCE, also known as the Helsinki Commission, brought together high-ranking officials, including Bogdan Aurescu, the minister of foreign affairs of Romania, and Oleksii Reznikov, the minister of defence of Ukraine.