Our new pledge will also help us to strengthen our defense industrial bases and to standardize critical munitions and improve NATO interoperability.

As I've said before, two percent is a floor and not a ceiling, and we need this increased investment to ensure our credible collective defense and to continue to modernize the alliance's capabilities. It will affirm our shared commitment to spend at least two percent of national GDP on defense, with the aim of spending more than two percent to meet the alliance's defense needs. And let me urge all of our allies to support the immediate accession of Sweden, another proud democracy and highly-capable defense partner.Īlso in Vilnius, our leaders will agree on an updated defense investment pledge. Now, I'm proud that Finland will participate in this year's summit for the first time as a NATO ally. In Vilnius, NATO will have the opportunity to expand its practical, nonlethal support for Ukraine's current fight, and that will also be a chance to lay the foundations for modernizing and reforming Ukraine's defense institutions and making the transition to NATO-standard equipment. As I've noted, they'll be meeting in challenging times, and a summit will be an important opportunity to discuss how NATO will continue to meet this moment. In just a few weeks, our leaders will gather for NATO's Vilnius Summit. Now, let me turn to some of our important business at this NATO ministerial. President Biden has repeatedly said we will stand with Ukraine for the long haul. The United States is proud to join some-50 nations of goodwill around the world in providing Ukraine with vital training and security assistance, and we must be patient as the Ukrainians wage this important campaign. Ukraine's brave defenders have now started the next phase in their fight to liberate their country's sovereign territory from Russian occupation. Putin's invasion has caused the worst crisis in European security since the end of World War II.īut the people of Ukraine continue to inspire the world with their resilience and their courage.

For nearly 16 months, Russia has been waging a cruel and reckless war of choice against its peaceful and democratic neighbor. So let me start with just a few words about recent developments in Ukraine. His leadership has helped NATO navigate turbulent times with unity and resolve.

I'd like to thank the secretary-general for gathering us here today. AUSTIN III: All right, good afternoon, everyone.

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