Slovakia sympathizes with allies requesting NATO bases: minister
Xinhua, February 23, 2016 Adjust font size:
Slovakia sympathizes with countries requesting NATO military bases on its soil, even though Slovakia itself isn't currently doing so, Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak said at a press conference with his Polish counterpart Witold Waszczykowski here Monday.
"We have full understanding for our allies who request NATO military bases, and we support their efforts," said Lajcak.
He considers it important to reinforce NATO's eastern wing, as it's necessary to demonstrate that all NATO members can field armies of the same quality.
Waszczykowski warned that NATO's eastern European flank is exposed to danger due to the unresolved conflict in Ukraine.
"We believe that we can boost its security by stationing NATO troops there and installing various defense systems," he said.
The Polish foreign minister pointed out that his country spends approximately 2 percent of its GDP on defense and expressed the hope that this figure will rise even further. According to him, Warsaw enjoys adequate financial resources for purchasing anti-aircraft systems and helicopters and is also entertaining the purchase of new submarines to patrol the Baltic Sea.
"The decision on this will be passed in the foreseeable future," Waszczykowski said. Endit