NATO Allies discuss responses to new challenges from south

NATO Foreign Ministers on Tuesday took steps to further the Alliance's adaptation to security challenges from the south, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said after the ministerial meeting.

"The challenges from the south are grave and complex," the NATO chief said, adding that the Alliance is taking action in three areas: strengthening collective defence; helping to manage crises; and working with partners to build regional stability.

He said NATO is enhancing the readiness of its forces to deal with threats from the south as well as the east. "We are also improving our intelligence and early warning mechanisms to help us better understand the region and increase our situational awareness," Stoltenberg said.

As Turkey is on the front line of regional instability to the south, Stoltenberg said Allies are looking at additional assurance measures for Turkey. "They will be finalised in the coming weeks," he added.

Stoltenberg also explained that NATO is helping partners in the Middle East and North Africa develop their defence capacities.

NATO Foreign Ministers discussed the fighting against ISIL, measures taken since the terrorist attacks in Paris, and the Vienna talks to find a political solution to the conflict in Syria during the first day's meeting. Endit