NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg landed in Bardufoss on Friday morning to visit the forces participating in Cold Response.
Just after the private plane from Brussels had parked, Stoltenberg took plenty of time to greet those participating in the exercise.
As many as 27 NATO countries are participating in Cold Response 2022, which will last until April.
Condolences to American forces
After the greeting round with the forces was over, Stoltenberg spoke to the forces.
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– SPEAKING: NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg bragged uncontrollably about the forces participating in the NATO exercise Cold Response. Photo: YVES HERMAN
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There he used the opportunity to send his condolences in connection with the fatal accident in Beiarn where four American soldiers lost their lives after their plane crashed.
– You can be proud to be part of our strengths during this exercise. You are the women and men who ensure that we are safe in an increasingly scarier and more dangerous world, said Stoltenberg.
Increased Chinese and Russian activity
The NATO chief also spoke about the importance of Northern Norway for NATO, especially in light of the tense situation between Russia and Ukraine.
After the speech to the forces, Stoltenberg met the press.
– Russia’s war against Ukraine is a new standard for Arctic and European security, says Stoltenberg.
The head of NATO also said that there had been increased Russian and Chinese activity in the northern areas.
– Russia’s military build-up is the most serious challenge for stabilization and allied security in northern Norway.
– China aims to build a presence here. For all these reasons, the north is a critical area for all our allies.
Increased presence
As a result, NATO has now increased its presence in the High North.
– This exercise is an example of this. And more will be needed in the future.
Despite the fact that the Cold Response exercise was planned long before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Stoltenberg says that it has now become even more important.
– It demonstrates the need for allies to stand together. The exercise is not intended to provoke Russia, but to avert further conflict.
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