Vision 2030: NATO vows investing in modern military capabilities

KABUL stressed over investing in armed forces and modern military capabilities, a statement said on Monday.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: “COVID-19 changed our lives in ways we could barely imagine, and it has magnified existing trends and tensions when it comes to our security.”

Russia continued its military activities unabated. ISIL and other terrorist groups are emboldened. Both state and non-state actors promote disinformation and propaganda.

The rise of China is fundamentally shifting the global balance of power, heating up the race for economic and technological supremacy multiplying the threats to open societies and individual freedoms.

“NATO 2030 is about how we adapt to this new normal. And to do this we must Stay strong militarily, be more united politically and take a broader approach globally.”

He said NATO first needed a strong military Alliance to protect democracies and to continue to compete in a more competitive world.

“Threats to our security have not gone away while we are focusing on the pandemic. Security is the foundation for our prosperity now and in the future, but military strength is only part of the answer. We also need to use NATO more politically,” he said.

“This means bringing all the issues that affect our security to NATO’s table

So that we can forge stronger consensus sooner and more systematically. From conflicts in the wider Middle East region, to global arms control, and the security consequences of climate change. Using NATO more politically also means using a broader range of tools military and non-military, economic and diplomatic,” he said

“This is especially important as we work together, to strengthen the resilience of our societies and our economies. And to ensure that we do not import vulnerabilities, into our critical infrastructure, industries, and supply chains.”

NATO may not always be on the front line to act, but it must always be the forum for frank discussion and genuine consultation.

nh