WEBVTT 00:11.292 --> 00:12.542 - Good morning. 00:12.578 --> 00:15.122 The Secretary General will preview the meeting 00:15.122 --> 00:18.641 of NATO Foreign Ministers starting tomorrow, 00:18.641 --> 00:22.230 and then he'll be happy to take your questions, as usual. 00:22.230 --> 00:23.063 Secretary? 00:23.453 --> 00:24.695 - Good morning. 00:24.695 --> 00:27.612 This week, NATO's Foreign Ministers 00:28.413 --> 00:29.996 will address, along 00:32.367 --> 00:34.700 a wide range of different issues, and they will address 00:34.700 --> 00:37.283 how NATO can continue to adapt, 00:38.061 --> 00:42.228 and that's part of our preparations for the upcoming 00:42.665 --> 00:45.498 Summit here in Brussels next July. 00:48.084 --> 00:51.892 We will begin tomorrow with a meeting on NATO-EU 00:51.892 --> 00:54.559 cooperation and European defense 00:55.278 --> 00:59.274 joined by High Representative Vice President Mogherini 00:59.274 --> 01:02.441 and ministers from Finland and Sweden. 01:03.170 --> 01:06.753 On the margins of the NATO Summit in Warsaw 01:07.057 --> 01:08.557 in July last year, 01:10.839 --> 01:13.979 President Juncker, President Tusk and I 01:13.979 --> 01:15.906 signed the Joint Declaration 01:15.906 --> 01:19.323 on how to strengthen NATO-EU cooperation. 01:20.509 --> 01:24.676 We followed up with a package of 42 concrete measures, 01:25.546 --> 01:27.328 which has brought our cooperation 01:27.328 --> 01:29.495 to an unprecedented level. 01:31.037 --> 01:34.737 We have never worked together as closely and systemically 01:34.737 --> 01:36.987 in so many different areas. 01:38.169 --> 01:40.269 For instance, we have increased our efforts 01:40.269 --> 01:42.352 to counter cyber attacks. 01:43.673 --> 01:46.261 We exchange warnings about attacks 01:46.261 --> 01:48.344 and malware in real time. 01:49.080 --> 01:51.166 And last week, the EU participated 01:51.166 --> 01:54.083 in NATO's Cyber Coalition exercise, 01:54.495 --> 01:57.162 one of the biggest in the world. 01:57.374 --> 02:01.541 We have also stepped up our cooperation on hybrid threats. 02:02.319 --> 02:04.784 Federica and I recently inaugurated 02:04.784 --> 02:08.451 the Hybrid Centre of Excellence in Helsinki. 02:09.137 --> 02:11.387 And at sea, our cooperation 02:14.259 --> 02:16.509 has also been strengthened, 02:17.539 --> 02:20.463 our operation Sea Guardian is supporting 02:20.463 --> 02:22.140 the EU's Operation Sophia 02:22.140 --> 02:23.973 in its important work. 02:25.266 --> 02:27.026 At this week's Ministerial, 02:27.026 --> 02:29.776 our aim is to take a step further 02:30.155 --> 02:32.738 with a new package of measures. 02:33.484 --> 02:35.943 Today, negotiations on this package 02:35.943 --> 02:37.443 are still ongoing. 02:38.309 --> 02:41.202 But I hope that we will agree to do even more 02:41.202 --> 02:43.119 with the European Union 02:43.435 --> 02:44.935 and in more areas. 02:45.913 --> 02:50.080 Our aim is to make military mobility a new flagship 02:50.485 --> 02:52.152 for our cooperation. 02:52.181 --> 02:55.069 In an unpredictable security environment, 02:55.069 --> 02:57.793 our troops and our equipment must be able 02:57.793 --> 03:01.116 to move quickly whenever we need them to. 03:01.116 --> 03:03.699 This is vital for our security. 03:04.036 --> 03:07.035 And NATO needs the support of national governments 03:07.035 --> 03:10.868 and of the European Union to be able to do it. 03:11.159 --> 03:13.533 We also intend to strengthen our cooperation 03:13.533 --> 03:16.200 on countering terrorist threats. 03:16.976 --> 03:20.188 This is of deep concern to our publics, 03:20.188 --> 03:23.188 both in Europe and in North America. 03:24.319 --> 03:27.776 And we will do more to raise awareness of women's role 03:27.776 --> 03:31.276 in peace and security in our organizations 03:32.401 --> 03:33.984 and our operations. 03:36.093 --> 03:39.977 Later on Tuesday, we will discuss global challenges, 03:39.977 --> 03:41.810 including North Korea. 03:42.602 --> 03:46.528 It is worth remembering that events on the Korean peninsula 03:46.528 --> 03:48.861 have shaped NATO profoundly. 03:49.349 --> 03:52.043 The outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 03:52.043 --> 03:56.210 triggered the complete remodeling of the Alliance. 03:56.843 --> 03:59.343 It literally put the O in NATO 04:02.158 --> 04:05.985 with the creation of a permanent military headquarters 04:05.985 --> 04:10.152 and the positions of Secretary General and SACEUR. 04:10.697 --> 04:14.864 Today our security is also linked to events in East Asia. 04:19.153 --> 04:23.320 Last week's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile 04:23.385 --> 04:27.552 showed that all Allied nations could be within range. 04:29.325 --> 04:32.575 Our partners in the region are at risk. 04:33.961 --> 04:37.196 And North Korea's actions are also undermining 04:37.196 --> 04:39.613 the global non-proliferation, 04:40.411 --> 04:43.578 arms control, and disarmament regimes. 04:43.941 --> 04:47.927 So the whole world needs to apply maximum pressure 04:47.927 --> 04:50.304 on North Korea in order to achieve 04:50.304 --> 04:53.054 a peacefully negotiated solution. 04:54.421 --> 04:58.537 Allies have been clear and consistent in their condemnation 04:58.537 --> 05:00.657 and in pressing for full compliance 05:00.657 --> 05:03.074 with international sanctions. 05:03.163 --> 05:07.330 NATO has faced ballistic missile threats for decades. 05:08.000 --> 05:12.083 Our response has always been credible deterrence. 05:13.141 --> 05:16.276 We have the capabilities and the resolve 05:16.276 --> 05:17.943 to deter any attack. 05:18.987 --> 05:21.397 Our military strength is what makes 05:21.397 --> 05:23.730 diplomatic efforts possible. 05:25.305 --> 05:28.825 On Wednesday, we will address NATO's role in projecting 05:28.825 --> 05:32.026 stability and the fight against terrorism. 05:32.026 --> 05:34.609 We are adding 3,000 more troops 05:34.831 --> 05:38.025 to our training mission in Afghanistan. 05:38.025 --> 05:41.060 And we are working with partners like Jordan and Tunisia 05:41.060 --> 05:43.477 to strengthen their defenses. 05:44.367 --> 05:48.534 NATO is contributing to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS 05:50.376 --> 05:52.852 with AWACS surveillance flights 05:52.852 --> 05:55.435 and by training Iraqi soldiers. 05:56.192 --> 05:58.692 But our work will not be done, 06:01.040 --> 06:05.040 even when ISIS no longer controls any territory. 06:05.141 --> 06:07.058 Ministers will consider 06:08.282 --> 06:10.699 how NATO's role should evolve 06:11.223 --> 06:14.320 as the Global Coalition moves from combat operations 06:14.320 --> 06:16.403 to stabilization efforts. 06:18.517 --> 06:20.941 On Wednesday, we will hold a meeting 06:20.941 --> 06:23.524 of the NATO-Georgia Commission. 06:24.226 --> 06:28.226 Georgia is one of the Alliance closest partners. 06:28.956 --> 06:32.720 And through the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package, 06:32.720 --> 06:34.621 we are working together on issues ranging 06:34.621 --> 06:38.121 from cyber defense to operational planning 06:38.371 --> 06:42.002 through our Joint Training and Evaluation Centre 06:42.002 --> 06:44.880 and through the NATO-funded Defense Institution 06:44.880 --> 06:47.602 Building School, which has already trained 06:47.602 --> 06:49.852 around a thousand students. 06:51.210 --> 06:54.284 We will look into areas where we could cooperate 06:54.284 --> 06:58.117 even more closely, such as Black Sea security. 07:02.423 --> 07:05.102 We will conclude the ministerial meeting 07:05.102 --> 07:08.602 with a meeting on NATO's open door policy. 07:09.425 --> 07:12.626 As Montenegro's recent accession has shown, 07:12.626 --> 07:15.762 membership in the Alliance is possible for countries 07:15.762 --> 07:19.929 which make real progress in reform and modernization. 07:20.224 --> 07:23.666 So we will discuss how best to support those countries 07:23.666 --> 07:27.536 which aspire to join our community of shared security 07:27.536 --> 07:29.036 and shared values. 07:30.764 --> 07:34.931 We are now just seven months away from NATO's next Summit 07:35.132 --> 07:37.162 here in Brussels, and tomorrow, 07:37.162 --> 07:40.862 I will have the pleasure of unveiling the Summit logo, 07:40.862 --> 07:44.329 together with Belgian Prime Minister Michel. 07:44.329 --> 07:48.246 So with this, I'm ready to take your questions. 07:48.391 --> 07:52.558 - Okay, we'll start with Washington Post, second row. 07:53.966 --> 07:56.552 - Hi, thank you, Michael Birnbaum from the Washington Post. 07:56.552 --> 07:59.607 Secretary General, there have been a number of reports 07:59.607 --> 08:02.009 in recent days that Secretary Tillerson 08:02.009 --> 08:04.986 will soon be out of the State Department. 08:04.986 --> 08:08.569 Does that limit the value of any assurances 08:08.606 --> 08:11.557 or agreements he makes here this week? 08:11.557 --> 08:15.586 And more broadly, I wanted to ask how you're adjusting NATO 08:15.586 --> 08:19.753 to deal with a United States that's continually facing 08:20.332 --> 08:24.064 political turmoil in the Trump era, thank you. 08:24.064 --> 08:26.917 - I'm very much looking forward to welcoming 08:26.917 --> 08:29.757 Secretary Tillerson to NATO tomorrow. 08:29.757 --> 08:32.379 The United States is our biggest allies, 08:32.379 --> 08:36.163 and of course, it always matters what United States does. 08:36.163 --> 08:39.625 And I'm looking forward to welcoming Secretary Tillerson 08:39.625 --> 08:42.978 to discuss a wide range of important issues, 08:42.978 --> 08:45.957 fighting terrorism, NATO's role in fighting terrorism, 08:45.957 --> 08:48.707 Afghanistan, NATO-EU cooperation, 08:49.596 --> 08:52.929 and also for instance, open door policy. 08:53.542 --> 08:55.125 I also highly value 08:57.035 --> 08:59.849 Secretary Tillerson's strong personal commitment 08:59.849 --> 09:02.870 to the transatlantic bond and to NATO, 09:02.870 --> 09:05.911 something he expressed very clearly in a speech 09:05.911 --> 09:09.661 just last week where he expressed an ironclad 09:09.838 --> 09:13.088 commitment of the United States to NATO 09:13.755 --> 09:16.255 and to the transatlantic bond. 09:16.374 --> 09:18.966 And this is a commitment we don't not only see in words 09:18.966 --> 09:22.256 from Rex Tillerson and from the U.S. administration, 09:22.256 --> 09:26.173 but we see it also in actions, because the U.S. 09:26.815 --> 09:29.823 is now increasing their military presence in Europe 09:29.823 --> 09:31.992 with more troops, with more equipment, 09:31.992 --> 09:35.159 and more supplies, and the funding for 09:37.523 --> 09:40.356 the European deterrence initiative 09:41.264 --> 09:43.985 has been significantly increased. 09:43.985 --> 09:48.152 So I'll look forward to having Secretary Tillerson 09:48.408 --> 09:51.513 here for two days' meeting, and once again, 09:51.513 --> 09:54.524 to confirm the strong transatlantic bond. 09:54.524 --> 09:58.691 NATO is the framework for transatlantic cooperation. 10:00.125 --> 10:02.125 - Okay, we'll go to NPR. 10:02.634 --> 10:04.295 - Teri Schulz with NPR and Deutsche Welle. 10:04.295 --> 10:06.184 You didn't really answer Michael's question. 10:06.184 --> 10:09.570 Does it distract from the meeting to have all of these 10:09.570 --> 10:13.070 rumors swirling around ahead of it, us asking you 10:13.070 --> 10:15.784 about that instead of about NATO-EU cooperation? 10:15.784 --> 10:18.784 And don't you think then that allies 10:19.299 --> 10:21.382 will be perhaps reluctant 10:22.612 --> 10:25.318 to believe that the United States can make 10:25.318 --> 10:28.128 any solid confirmation of any policy 10:28.128 --> 10:29.862 here at this meeting, thanks. 10:29.862 --> 10:31.588 - I think we have seen again and again 10:31.588 --> 10:35.116 that NATO and NATO ministers are able to focus 10:35.116 --> 10:38.105 on the core task, on the job we have to do, 10:38.105 --> 10:41.105 despite any speculations and rumors. 10:41.284 --> 10:44.070 And I'm absolutely certain that will be the case also now 10:44.070 --> 10:47.843 because we have so much important work ahead of us. 10:47.843 --> 10:50.982 For instance, addressing how can we respond 10:50.982 --> 10:55.149 to a more challenging and dangerous security environment? 10:55.732 --> 10:58.766 How can we make sure that the transatlantic bond 10:58.766 --> 11:01.683 remains strong in times of turmoil? 11:03.094 --> 11:06.073 And especially when we see more uncertainty, 11:06.073 --> 11:09.406 more unpredictability, and more threats, 11:10.204 --> 11:13.787 then we need strong institutions like NATO. 11:14.248 --> 11:16.751 And I'm absolutely certain that all ministers, 11:16.751 --> 11:20.834 and of course including also Secretary Tillerson, 11:21.638 --> 11:24.559 will focus on that task and be able to make 11:24.559 --> 11:27.099 important decisions, for instance, on how can we strengthen 11:27.099 --> 11:31.266 NATO-EU cooperation regardless of rumors and speculations. 11:33.145 --> 11:36.053 - Okay, we have a gentleman over there. 11:36.053 --> 11:36.970 First seat. 11:37.681 --> 11:39.697 - This is Mohammad with the Jordan Times from Jordan. 11:39.697 --> 11:42.221 With the recent opening of the MSDS hub 11:42.221 --> 11:45.174 and the victories against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, 11:45.174 --> 11:47.232 and reports warning of the rise of the terrorist group 11:47.232 --> 11:49.589 in North Africa, what plans do you have 11:49.589 --> 11:52.120 for increased cooperation with and support 11:52.120 --> 11:54.217 to southern partners, including Jordan? 11:54.217 --> 11:57.184 And would that be on the agenda of the meeting, thank you. 11:57.184 --> 11:59.328 - Yes, that will be on the agenda of the meeting 11:59.328 --> 12:03.462 because we will discuss what we call projecting stability 12:03.462 --> 12:05.573 and the fight against terrorism. 12:05.573 --> 12:08.526 And of course, working with a partner like Jordan 12:08.526 --> 12:10.949 is something we highly value in NATO, 12:10.949 --> 12:12.913 and Jordan is an important partner. 12:12.913 --> 12:15.496 Jordan provides infrastructure. 12:17.725 --> 12:19.649 For instance, some of our training programs. 12:19.649 --> 12:22.293 We have trained Iraqi officers in Jordan 12:22.293 --> 12:25.190 at the King Abdullah Training Centre, 12:25.190 --> 12:27.357 and NATO is helping Jordan 12:28.873 --> 12:31.873 with modernizing their armed forces. 12:32.093 --> 12:34.398 We are focused on many different areas, 12:34.398 --> 12:37.145 including the role of women, the position of women 12:37.145 --> 12:39.645 in the armed forces of Jordan. 12:41.387 --> 12:44.510 And we also welcome the fact that Jordan has played 12:44.510 --> 12:46.796 a key role in the progress we have made 12:46.796 --> 12:48.820 in the fight against ISIS. 12:48.820 --> 12:51.487 So I appreciate the partnership. 12:52.356 --> 12:54.229 It is a strong partnership, 12:54.229 --> 12:57.062 and also appreciate the commitment 12:57.096 --> 12:59.179 and the focus of the king 12:59.214 --> 13:01.631 to the partnership with NATO. 13:02.486 --> 13:04.569 King Abdullah has visited 13:05.799 --> 13:07.382 NATO several times. 13:07.529 --> 13:10.216 He had met the North Atlantic Council, 13:10.216 --> 13:13.716 and I visited also Jordan not so long ago, 13:14.040 --> 13:17.085 and we will continue to strengthen our partnership. 13:17.085 --> 13:18.502 - Lady over here. 13:19.343 --> 13:21.879 - Thank you, this is Assia from Dar assabah, Tunisia. 13:21.879 --> 13:25.366 You just mentioned Tunisia, and I would like to know more, 13:25.366 --> 13:28.087 if you can give us more details about the cooperation 13:28.087 --> 13:30.083 between Tunisia and NATO. 13:30.083 --> 13:33.200 And also, we come from a region that's very concerned 13:33.200 --> 13:36.426 about terrorists and would like to ask about NATO's role 13:36.426 --> 13:38.449 in the Mediterranean region, and mainly 13:38.449 --> 13:40.580 in what's going on in Libya. 13:40.580 --> 13:43.011 Is there any clear strategy to fight terrorists 13:43.011 --> 13:45.178 in that region, thank you. 13:45.845 --> 13:49.928 - When it comes to Libya, we are working with the 13:50.999 --> 13:52.127 government of national accord, 13:52.127 --> 13:54.951 with Prime Minister al-Sarraj, on how we can support him 13:54.951 --> 13:58.546 in building defense and security institutions. 13:58.546 --> 14:02.616 I met Prime Minister al-Sarraj a couple of months ago, 14:02.616 --> 14:05.116 and we agreed that our experts 14:06.190 --> 14:08.357 have to sit down and have, 14:11.401 --> 14:13.210 they met several times 14:13.210 --> 14:15.724 to look into how we can provide practical support, 14:15.724 --> 14:17.974 helping Libya with building 14:18.874 --> 14:21.707 security and defense institutions. 14:21.737 --> 14:24.724 NATO's a strong supporter, of course, of the UN-led efforts 14:24.724 --> 14:28.807 to find a peaceful solution and to make sure that 14:31.474 --> 14:35.120 the government of al-Sarraj has the possibility 14:35.120 --> 14:38.620 to stabilize the country, and we are ready 14:38.649 --> 14:40.566 to help them with that. 14:41.005 --> 14:43.765 When it comes to Tunisia, Tunisia is a partner. 14:43.765 --> 14:47.771 We are working, both NATO and several NATO allies 14:47.771 --> 14:50.747 are working with Tunisia to help them build capacity, 14:50.747 --> 14:53.006 both in the fight against terrorism 14:53.006 --> 14:56.380 with special operation forces and with intelligence. 14:56.380 --> 15:00.380 So we are looking into how we can scale that up. 15:00.780 --> 15:03.064 But I think that what we already do, 15:03.064 --> 15:04.539 especially when it comes to intelligence 15:04.539 --> 15:07.517 and special operation forces, is helping Tunisia 15:07.517 --> 15:11.184 to become more resilient to fight terrorism, 15:11.965 --> 15:13.601 which is important for Tunisia, 15:13.601 --> 15:16.832 but of course that's also important for NATO allies. 15:16.832 --> 15:19.832 - Okay, Geo TV, Pakistan, first row. 15:20.093 --> 15:23.575 - (mumbles) from Geo Television News. 15:23.575 --> 15:27.426 Secretary General, today James Mattis is in Pakistan 15:27.426 --> 15:30.700 with warning and threat, and CIA Director 15:30.700 --> 15:34.306 also issued threat to Pakistan to deal with the terrorism 15:34.306 --> 15:37.806 and Haqqani network, despite that Pakistan 15:38.701 --> 15:41.701 already made agreement with the U.S. 15:42.573 --> 15:46.740 that U.S. can destroy their hideouts along the borders. 15:47.397 --> 15:50.359 So Pakistan permitted, in fact, drone attacks 15:50.359 --> 15:53.704 within the Pakistani territory to destroy Haqqani network, 15:53.704 --> 15:57.454 but situation seems that not going to resolve 15:58.136 --> 16:00.636 because Pakistani and American 16:02.545 --> 16:05.571 controversy on that particular issue. 16:05.571 --> 16:09.238 Where are we on regarding this question that 16:10.695 --> 16:12.978 how much Pakistan is really cooperating? 16:12.978 --> 16:16.311 We see that situation is not going well, 16:16.558 --> 16:19.359 and there is a lot of visits taking place. 16:19.359 --> 16:21.526 Tillerson was in Pakistan, 16:21.930 --> 16:24.023 and then again Mattis is there, 16:24.023 --> 16:26.996 but also warning and threats coming from the U.S. 16:26.996 --> 16:28.663 Thank you very much. 16:29.467 --> 16:32.889 - I welcome the fact that Secretary Mattis 16:32.889 --> 16:34.958 recently visited Pakistan. 16:34.958 --> 16:38.364 I think it's important to have close dialogue with 16:38.364 --> 16:41.947 the countries in the region because we need 16:42.375 --> 16:45.875 their support to fight terrorism, to fight 16:46.577 --> 16:50.495 the Haqqani network, and to help to stabilize Afghanistan. 16:50.495 --> 16:54.578 And I had also the pleasure of traveling together 16:55.296 --> 16:57.129 with Secretary Mattis. 16:58.483 --> 17:01.349 He visited India, and then we went together 17:01.349 --> 17:03.099 to Pakistan recently. 17:03.898 --> 17:06.148 And NATO and United States, 17:08.226 --> 17:10.705 we have decided to strengthen our presence 17:10.705 --> 17:13.538 in Afghanistan with more trainers, 17:14.285 --> 17:18.452 with more troops in our train assisted advice mission. 17:18.822 --> 17:20.822 And we have also then to 17:23.471 --> 17:26.283 engage in dialogue with neighbors, including Pakistan, 17:26.283 --> 17:29.063 to make sure that there are no sanctuaries, 17:29.063 --> 17:32.646 no safe havens for international terrorists 17:32.687 --> 17:34.854 outside Afghanistan, which 17:36.149 --> 17:40.316 help and support the insurgents inside Afghanistan. 17:40.430 --> 17:42.097 - Okay, we go to AP. 17:43.767 --> 17:47.350 Gentleman in the maroon sweater over there. 17:47.820 --> 17:49.646 - Yes, Lorne Cook, Associated Press. 17:49.646 --> 17:51.360 A question on North Korea. 17:51.360 --> 17:54.616 You said NATO has faced ballistic threats for decades 17:54.616 --> 17:56.366 and has capabilities. 17:57.607 --> 17:59.483 I know you've been in the region. 17:59.483 --> 18:02.276 Do you plan to use these capabilities? 18:02.276 --> 18:04.667 Is there something concrete you could do 18:04.667 --> 18:08.179 in the face of North Korea, or does it have to stay 18:08.179 --> 18:12.346 as support right now and political rhetorical pressure? 18:13.740 --> 18:15.699 - The purpose of deterrence 18:15.699 --> 18:19.866 is to convey a message, which is so clear, so strong 18:21.087 --> 18:23.594 that you don't have to use military force. 18:23.594 --> 18:27.677 So the purpose of deterrence provided by resolve, 18:28.827 --> 18:31.489 military capabilities, military strength, 18:31.489 --> 18:33.986 is not of course to provoke a conflict, 18:33.986 --> 18:36.653 but it is to prevent a conflict. 18:37.976 --> 18:40.448 This is the way NATO has prevented 18:40.448 --> 18:43.365 the military conflicts for decades, 18:43.948 --> 18:47.105 and also responded to ballistic missile threats 18:47.105 --> 18:49.772 and nuclear threats for decades. 18:49.783 --> 18:52.808 So that's also the reason why we are so focused 18:52.808 --> 18:54.558 on the need to adapt, 18:55.871 --> 18:59.288 to strengthen, and to communicate clearly 18:59.985 --> 19:02.985 that NATO is strong, NATO is united, 19:03.374 --> 19:05.717 and NATO is able to respond to any attack, 19:05.717 --> 19:09.050 including ballistic and nuclear attacks, 19:09.371 --> 19:11.701 to prevent that from happening. 19:11.701 --> 19:15.118 That's the reason why we have deterrence. 19:15.213 --> 19:18.942 And deterrence has been the main response for decades 19:18.942 --> 19:22.425 and it still is, also when it comes to threats, 19:22.425 --> 19:24.891 for instance, from North Korea. 19:24.891 --> 19:27.506 I visited the region last month, 19:27.506 --> 19:30.339 or actually in October, and it was 19:30.562 --> 19:34.395 a good visit because I appreciate that we have 19:35.297 --> 19:38.320 close partners, South Korea and Japan. 19:38.320 --> 19:42.403 They also very much welcomed the strong pressure, 19:43.328 --> 19:46.677 which is supported by NATO and NATO allies. 19:46.677 --> 19:49.945 The fact that the UN was able to agree on strengthening 19:49.945 --> 19:52.224 the economic sanctions in September, 19:52.224 --> 19:54.979 also including sanctions and restrictions 19:54.979 --> 19:58.812 on the export of oil and refined oil products, 19:59.108 --> 20:02.707 and also the fact that we see that the sanctions 20:02.707 --> 20:06.874 are implemented to a higher degree now than before. 20:07.025 --> 20:08.670 And I think also it is important to remember 20:08.670 --> 20:11.541 that Russia and China, they have a special role 20:11.541 --> 20:13.157 and a special responsibility, 20:13.157 --> 20:15.419 partly because they are permanent members 20:15.419 --> 20:18.089 of the UN Security Council, but also of course 20:18.089 --> 20:19.589 since they are neighboring countries. 20:19.589 --> 20:22.061 So we will continue to put maximum pressure 20:22.061 --> 20:23.311 on North Korea. 20:24.042 --> 20:27.317 We will continue to deliver credible deterrence, 20:27.317 --> 20:29.644 and then we will work with our partners in the region, 20:29.644 --> 20:33.318 and the purpose is, of course, to reach a peaceful 20:33.318 --> 20:36.424 and negotiated solution, because war in that region 20:36.424 --> 20:40.591 will be catastrophic and it will have global consequences, 20:41.789 --> 20:44.247 not only for the region but for the whole world. 20:44.247 --> 20:46.330 - Okay, we go to Le Soir. 20:46.578 --> 20:48.328 Gentleman over there. 20:55.845 --> 20:57.676 - Thank you, Philippe (mumbles) of Le Soir. 20:57.676 --> 21:01.519 Meanwhile in North Korea, there have been some assessments 21:01.519 --> 21:05.686 these last hours from U.S. high-ranking officials, 21:06.107 --> 21:09.021 including General McMaster, that the pre-emptive 21:09.021 --> 21:12.938 war against North Korea is more and more likely 21:13.038 --> 21:14.371 days after days. 21:15.166 --> 21:18.545 So do you share this assessment, or is it also kind of 21:18.545 --> 21:21.462 a message of deterrence, thank you. 21:21.987 --> 21:24.800 - What we have seen is that tensions 21:24.800 --> 21:26.883 are increasing because of 21:28.237 --> 21:32.109 North Korea's reckless and irresponsible behavior. 21:32.109 --> 21:33.915 They are testing nuclear weapons. 21:33.915 --> 21:36.313 They are testing new missiles, 21:36.313 --> 21:39.174 and we see that the range of the missiles 21:39.174 --> 21:41.341 makes it possible to reach 21:43.037 --> 21:45.120 Europe and North America. 21:45.591 --> 21:48.258 That's the reason why we need to 21:48.557 --> 21:51.474 put maximum pressure on North Korea 21:52.409 --> 21:55.434 with diplomatic means, with political means, 21:55.434 --> 21:59.039 but especially with the full and transparent 21:59.039 --> 22:01.587 implementation of the economic sanctions. 22:01.587 --> 22:05.337 Because we have to prevent an armed conflict. 22:05.341 --> 22:07.174 But we need deterrence 22:09.185 --> 22:11.046 because that's the best way to prevent 22:11.046 --> 22:12.879 an armed attack on us. 22:13.973 --> 22:15.640 The United States... 22:16.193 --> 22:20.193 NATO has, of course, the right to defend itself, 22:21.141 --> 22:23.502 and United States has, of course, the right to defend itself 22:23.502 --> 22:24.752 and all allies. 22:25.341 --> 22:27.623 And this has been clearly communicated 22:27.623 --> 22:30.790 to send a clear message of deterrence. 22:32.122 --> 22:34.539 - Gentleman in the first row. 22:35.211 --> 22:36.905 - I just would like to ask about Iran. 22:36.905 --> 22:39.689 There were some reports a few days ago 22:39.689 --> 22:42.752 that one of the senior officials in Iran 22:42.752 --> 22:46.085 threatened to increase the missile range 22:46.366 --> 22:48.616 that they can reach Europe. 22:49.003 --> 22:51.780 So how do you respond to this threat, 22:51.780 --> 22:55.347 taking into consideration the argument now, 22:55.347 --> 22:59.414 especially from the U.S., about the Iran nuclear deal 22:59.414 --> 23:01.015 and the concerns in the region, 23:01.015 --> 23:03.432 especially from Saudi Arabia? 23:04.636 --> 23:06.303 - I think we have to 23:06.455 --> 23:09.122 make a clear distinction between 23:09.396 --> 23:12.813 nuclear weapons and missile capabilities. 23:13.014 --> 23:14.764 The Iran nuclear deal 23:15.705 --> 23:17.455 addresses the ability 23:19.221 --> 23:21.999 of Iran to develop nuclear weapons. 23:21.999 --> 23:25.332 And NATO welcomed and supported the deal 23:25.916 --> 23:27.497 when it was agreed, 23:27.497 --> 23:30.448 and our focus now is to make sure that the deal 23:30.448 --> 23:32.198 is fully implemented, 23:32.309 --> 23:33.947 because that will directly affect 23:33.947 --> 23:36.280 the security of NATO allies. 23:36.997 --> 23:40.330 At the same time, we have seen that Iran 23:41.615 --> 23:45.646 is continuing to develop their missile capabilities. 23:45.646 --> 23:49.063 They are continuing to test new missiles, 23:49.245 --> 23:53.412 and this, of course, is of concern for all NATO allies, 23:54.987 --> 23:57.320 especially allies in Europe, 23:57.686 --> 24:01.273 because they are within reach, or at least more and more 24:01.273 --> 24:05.440 of those allies are within reach of the Iranian missiles. 24:06.171 --> 24:09.338 And that's also one of the reasons why 24:10.834 --> 24:13.167 it is important that NATO is 24:14.039 --> 24:17.398 adapting and responding to also these kind of threats. 24:17.398 --> 24:19.231 NATO is now developing 24:20.318 --> 24:22.511 and strengthening our missile defense. 24:22.511 --> 24:26.591 I participated in the inauguration of our missile defense 24:26.591 --> 24:28.758 site in Romania last year, 24:30.197 --> 24:33.364 and we are building a new missile site 24:34.277 --> 24:35.110 in Poland, 24:36.182 --> 24:40.265 and we also have ships deployed with interceptors 24:41.014 --> 24:44.454 and advanced radars, which are strengthening 24:44.454 --> 24:47.201 our missile defense, which is a response 24:47.201 --> 24:49.872 to missile threats we see from outside 24:49.872 --> 24:51.789 the Euro-Atlantic area, 24:52.535 --> 24:55.785 including to the south of the Alliance. 24:56.223 --> 24:59.390 - Europa Press, lady in the fifth row. 24:59.640 --> 25:01.170 - Thank you, Secretary General. 25:01.170 --> 25:03.649 Ana Pisonero from the Spanish News Agency Europa Press. 25:03.649 --> 25:04.573 Two quick questions, if I may. 25:04.573 --> 25:07.852 The first one on cooperation on counter-terrorism 25:07.852 --> 25:12.019 with the EU, will this be limited to intelligence exchange, 25:12.974 --> 25:16.388 or is there room for any kind of more operational 25:16.388 --> 25:18.968 cooperation between the EU and NATO on counter-terrorism? 25:18.968 --> 25:21.398 And a second quick question on the North Korea threat 25:21.398 --> 25:23.025 and from Iran as well. 25:23.025 --> 25:25.275 So have NATO allies decided 25:26.664 --> 25:30.664 that we need changes to the NATO missile system, 25:31.455 --> 25:33.372 or we're not there yet? 25:34.595 --> 25:37.232 I mean, you say that we're reinforcing the system, 25:37.232 --> 25:39.299 but that was planned a long time ago 25:39.299 --> 25:42.238 before all these threats have become more acute, 25:42.238 --> 25:44.594 both from North Korea and maybe Iran as well. 25:44.594 --> 25:48.761 So are NATO already allies engaging in the discussion? 25:48.942 --> 25:51.207 Is there clarity on whether we need 25:51.207 --> 25:53.790 these extra changes, thank you. 25:55.084 --> 25:59.251 - First on the cooperation with the European Union. 26:00.202 --> 26:01.917 One of the areas we now are looking into 26:01.917 --> 26:04.750 how we can step up our cooperation 26:05.096 --> 26:06.902 is fighting terrorism. 26:06.902 --> 26:09.891 But as I said, negotiations are still going on, 26:09.891 --> 26:12.474 so I cannot go into the details 26:12.730 --> 26:15.803 about the different measures, because that's something 26:15.803 --> 26:19.666 I hope that we can agree by the meeting tomorrow 26:19.666 --> 26:21.614 and the day after tomorrow 26:21.614 --> 26:25.442 so we have an agreement at the ministerial meeting. 26:25.442 --> 26:29.275 But of course, areas where we are looking into 26:29.750 --> 26:33.450 how we can work closer together is, for instance, 26:33.450 --> 26:36.617 when we operate in the same countries, 26:37.072 --> 26:40.555 like we have the same partners in North Africa 26:40.555 --> 26:42.138 or the Middle East. 26:44.653 --> 26:46.570 NATO's present in Iraq. 26:48.923 --> 26:52.116 The European Union is also increasing their presence 26:52.116 --> 26:55.449 in Iraq, so any coordination of presence 26:56.640 --> 26:59.723 in the same countries will strengthen 27:00.092 --> 27:03.175 our joint efforts to fight terrorism. 27:04.503 --> 27:05.836 Cyber and hybrid 27:06.589 --> 27:09.081 is also at least partly relevant 27:09.081 --> 27:11.242 for strengthening our resilience, 27:11.242 --> 27:15.075 including against potential terrorist threats. 27:18.238 --> 27:20.238 The NATO missile defense 27:22.670 --> 27:25.170 system is something we decided 27:25.963 --> 27:27.463 several years ago. 27:28.962 --> 27:31.962 It's aimed at protecting NATO allies 27:32.150 --> 27:36.267 against threats coming from outside the Euro Atlantic area. 27:36.267 --> 27:40.017 And we develop that system according to plans 27:41.516 --> 27:43.849 we agreed several years ago. 27:43.919 --> 27:46.023 So that's not something which is affected 27:46.023 --> 27:49.523 by the recent developments in North Korea. 27:50.570 --> 27:52.487 - Gentleman over there. 27:53.770 --> 27:57.937 - My name is Ratko Femic, Kurir Daily from Serbia. 27:58.374 --> 28:01.791 You have mentioned NATO open door policy. 28:02.712 --> 28:06.069 So you have already met with our president, 28:06.069 --> 28:09.236 Aleksandar Vucic, ex-Secretary General 28:09.953 --> 28:12.802 met our prime minister and president, 28:12.802 --> 28:16.969 so I wonder, are there any talks about Serbia joining NATO? 28:19.035 --> 28:22.702 Also, do you have any problems, I mean, NATO 28:23.561 --> 28:26.549 with the Russian Humanitarian Centre in Serbia? 28:26.549 --> 28:30.077 Because we have some analysis that that center 28:30.077 --> 28:32.410 can evolve in military base. 28:34.065 --> 28:34.982 That's all. 28:35.540 --> 28:38.966 - No, there are no talks about Serbia joining NATO, 28:38.966 --> 28:41.887 and the reason is that Serbia has clearly stated 28:41.887 --> 28:43.970 that they are not aiming, 28:44.099 --> 28:45.915 they don't want membership in NATO. 28:45.915 --> 28:49.846 And NATO fully respects that decision of Serbia. 28:49.846 --> 28:52.035 Serbia has decided they would like to stay 28:52.035 --> 28:52.978 a neutral country. 28:52.978 --> 28:55.086 They are aiming for membership in the European Union. 28:55.086 --> 28:57.669 We respect that, and we welcome 29:00.790 --> 29:04.508 progress in Serbia's efforts to join the European Union. 29:04.508 --> 29:07.087 But at the same time, Serbia is a sovereign 29:07.087 --> 29:10.670 independent country, and Serbia has decided 29:11.680 --> 29:15.263 that they don't aim for membership in NATO. 29:15.756 --> 29:18.468 It is important to understand that for NATO, 29:18.468 --> 29:22.280 it's absolutely possible to have a good, friendly 29:22.280 --> 29:24.200 working partnership with countries 29:24.200 --> 29:27.341 that don't aspire for membership in NATO. 29:27.341 --> 29:31.342 We have excellent cooperation with countries like Sweden, 29:31.342 --> 29:32.759 Finland, Austria, 29:33.789 --> 29:36.122 and other neutral countries. 29:36.981 --> 29:40.064 So we welcome the strong partnership. 29:40.106 --> 29:43.514 I met Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic several times. 29:43.514 --> 29:45.470 Recently he visited the NATO headquarters. 29:45.470 --> 29:47.184 We will continue to strengthen our partnership. 29:47.184 --> 29:50.851 And it's for Serbia to decide, for instance, 29:50.855 --> 29:54.022 on this humanitarian center of Russia. 29:54.211 --> 29:57.872 I know that Serbia, they conduct military exercises 29:57.872 --> 29:59.880 with Russia, but they also conduct 29:59.880 --> 30:02.217 many military exercises with NATO troops. 30:02.217 --> 30:05.057 We respect the sovereign decisions of Serbia 30:05.057 --> 30:07.492 because Serbia is a sovereign nation, 30:07.492 --> 30:11.659 and we welcome the strong and close partnership with Serbia. 30:13.813 --> 30:14.980 - Okay, UNIAN. 30:16.734 --> 30:17.984 Lady over here. 30:24.570 --> 30:27.508 - Thank you, Irina Somer, News Agency UNIAN, 30:27.508 --> 30:29.162 Ukrainian news agency. 30:29.162 --> 30:32.049 We will have a NATO-Georgia commission. 30:32.049 --> 30:34.485 Why don't we have NATO-Ukraine commission? 30:34.485 --> 30:37.406 Is it means that Ukraine not on the agenda anymore 30:37.406 --> 30:38.984 and war at the east? 30:38.984 --> 30:41.093 And second question is, if I may, 30:41.093 --> 30:44.587 recently you had meeting with President Poroshenko, 30:44.587 --> 30:48.513 and because it was really very little information about it, 30:48.513 --> 30:52.680 can you please tell us what did you discuss, thank you. 30:53.383 --> 30:56.525 - I had a very good meeting with President Poroshenko 30:56.525 --> 30:57.358 last week. 30:58.329 --> 31:02.137 He was actually in my house, so it was interesting. 31:02.137 --> 31:04.137 We had a good discussion 31:04.669 --> 31:08.252 addressing the challenges Ukraine is facing 31:08.803 --> 31:10.220 and the continued 31:13.858 --> 31:16.293 efforts of Russia to destabilize, 31:16.293 --> 31:18.543 especially eastern Ukraine. 31:18.571 --> 31:21.404 And I reiterated my strong support 31:21.995 --> 31:26.078 for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, 31:26.825 --> 31:29.969 and that we will continue to provide political support 31:29.969 --> 31:33.119 to Ukraine and practical support to Ukraine. 31:33.119 --> 31:37.286 The North Atlantic Council recently visited Kiev, Ukraine. 31:37.916 --> 31:40.664 We had a NATO-Ukraine Commission meeting there. 31:40.664 --> 31:43.811 We have many meetings at different levels. 31:43.811 --> 31:47.464 We will have a NATO-Ukraine Commission meeting soon 31:47.464 --> 31:48.547 here at NATO. 31:49.764 --> 31:52.264 So there are ongoing dialogue. 31:53.206 --> 31:55.706 There is a strong partnership. 31:57.004 --> 32:00.504 NATO and NATO allies are providing support 32:01.534 --> 32:03.073 for Ukraine in many different areas, 32:03.073 --> 32:05.370 including command and control training, 32:05.370 --> 32:07.120 cyber defensive work, 32:09.038 --> 32:10.746 including fighting terrorism. 32:10.746 --> 32:13.721 So we have a very close cooperation with Ukraine, 32:13.721 --> 32:17.697 and we'll continue to strengthen that cooperation. 32:17.697 --> 32:20.114 - Okay, Agence France-Presse. 32:20.413 --> 32:22.527 - Thank you, Secretary General. 32:22.527 --> 32:25.855 About Ukraine, Ukraine has voted to organize 32:25.855 --> 32:28.845 a referendum soon on changing the law 32:28.845 --> 32:32.592 to see if they could become an aspirant again to join NATO. 32:32.592 --> 32:35.218 And there is this launch with the open-door countries. 32:35.218 --> 32:39.135 Is there gonna be a message about the time line 32:41.065 --> 32:43.162 for joining NATO to those countries? 32:43.162 --> 32:46.598 Recently your colleague, Jean-Claude Juncker at the EU, 32:46.598 --> 32:49.963 has said Serbia and Montenegro, who are also in this process 32:49.963 --> 32:52.608 to join the EU, would in his view 32:52.608 --> 32:54.858 should join EU within 2025. 32:57.716 --> 33:00.283 Is there something similar to be expected from NATO 33:00.283 --> 33:03.710 in the coming days or before the summit next year? 33:03.710 --> 33:04.543 Thank you. 33:06.108 --> 33:08.905 - It is for Ukraine to decide whether they again 33:08.905 --> 33:11.276 would like to become aspirant country 33:11.276 --> 33:13.450 or apply for membership in NATO. 33:13.450 --> 33:15.038 That's of course for Ukraine to decide, 33:15.038 --> 33:17.882 and whether they do that through a referendum 33:17.882 --> 33:21.048 or in other ways, that's for Ukraine to decide. 33:21.048 --> 33:23.510 That's a national Ukrainian decision. 33:23.510 --> 33:27.304 Then, of course, whether NATO is going to enlarge 33:27.304 --> 33:30.436 and whether there are going to be more members of NATO, 33:30.436 --> 33:33.559 that's not only for the aspirant country to decide 33:33.559 --> 33:36.527 but that's for also 29 allies to decide, 33:36.527 --> 33:39.807 and we make that kind of decision by consensus. 33:39.807 --> 33:42.518 What we have seen with the enlargement 33:42.518 --> 33:44.601 with Montenegro this year 33:45.257 --> 33:49.424 shows that NATO's door is open for those countries 33:53.273 --> 33:57.440 when there is an aspirant country and 29 allies agree. 33:59.466 --> 34:01.363 I think that the important thing now, 34:01.363 --> 34:03.355 and I also welcome the fact that Ukraine 34:03.355 --> 34:05.105 is focused on reform, 34:05.482 --> 34:08.049 because regardless of the question of membership, 34:08.049 --> 34:12.216 reform of the Ukrainian defense and security institutions, 34:12.551 --> 34:15.134 modernizing their armed forces, 34:15.249 --> 34:17.302 all the practical cooperation that NATO 34:17.302 --> 34:19.357 and NATO allies provide is important. 34:19.357 --> 34:21.774 That will strengthen Ukraine, 34:21.787 --> 34:23.702 it will make Ukraine more resilient, 34:23.702 --> 34:27.035 and will be something which is important 34:27.698 --> 34:29.706 regardless of the question of membership, 34:29.706 --> 34:31.795 and therefore we will continue to provide support 34:31.795 --> 34:33.962 for these kind of reforms. 34:34.696 --> 34:36.529 - NRK, gentleman here. 34:37.344 --> 34:38.734 Third row, thanks. 34:38.734 --> 34:41.725 - Yes, Philip Lote, NRK, Norwegian Broadcasting. 34:41.725 --> 34:44.713 Regarding North Korea, how precarious 34:44.713 --> 34:47.771 do you think the situation is with the joint air force 34:47.771 --> 34:51.413 exercise between South Korea and the U.S. going on? 34:51.413 --> 34:55.580 And also, how important has Secretary of State Rex Tillerson 34:55.796 --> 34:59.078 been in calming down the heated situation, 34:59.078 --> 35:01.586 his role within the Trump administration 35:01.586 --> 35:03.419 regarding North Korea? 35:05.096 --> 35:08.846 - The exercises are a part of the deterrence. 35:10.166 --> 35:11.533 They are sending a clear message 35:11.533 --> 35:13.655 that United States is there, 35:13.655 --> 35:17.469 that United States has the capabilities and the resolve 35:17.469 --> 35:19.219 to defend its allies. 35:19.685 --> 35:21.102 And the exercises 35:24.992 --> 35:27.093 have once again proven important, 35:27.093 --> 35:30.457 because exercises are sending a message of resolve 35:30.457 --> 35:32.374 and that United States, 35:34.001 --> 35:35.888 together with the partners in the region, 35:35.888 --> 35:38.731 have the capabilities which enable them 35:38.731 --> 35:40.814 to respond to any attack. 35:41.024 --> 35:44.878 What NATO is doing is that we are sending the same message. 35:44.878 --> 35:47.825 We are sending a message of deterrence, of resolve, 35:47.825 --> 35:50.492 that we are ready and capable of 35:51.848 --> 35:54.431 responding to any attack at any 35:54.605 --> 35:55.438 NATO ally. 35:56.398 --> 35:59.836 And also the fact that we are working with South Korea 35:59.836 --> 36:02.169 and Japan, I recently visited the region, 36:02.169 --> 36:04.757 on how we can strengthen our partnership 36:04.757 --> 36:06.912 with the countries in the region. 36:06.912 --> 36:11.079 And we are also supporting that the international community 36:12.352 --> 36:15.435 puts maximum pressure on North Korea, 36:16.612 --> 36:18.915 especially with the economic sanctions, 36:18.915 --> 36:21.606 to reach a peaceful negotiated solution, 36:21.606 --> 36:24.259 because we have to understand that a war 36:24.259 --> 36:26.935 in the region will be disastrous. 36:26.935 --> 36:29.987 Secretary Tillerson has played a key role, 36:29.987 --> 36:31.237 both in sending 36:33.972 --> 36:37.437 the message of deterrence, the unity and the resolve 36:37.437 --> 36:41.604 of the whole Alliance, but also when it comes to the 36:43.972 --> 36:47.924 need for continuing to work for a peaceful solution. 36:47.924 --> 36:50.225 And for me there is no contradiction between 36:50.225 --> 36:52.225 deterrence, defense, and 36:54.730 --> 36:58.195 hard work for a peaceful negotiated solution. 36:58.195 --> 37:01.864 Actually, the fact that we have strong deterrence, 37:01.864 --> 37:03.992 that we have the military capabilities, 37:03.992 --> 37:06.325 that provides the foundation 37:06.584 --> 37:09.584 for a political negotiated solution. 37:12.058 --> 37:13.725 - Okay, Kabul Times. 37:15.359 --> 37:16.692 Lady over there. 37:22.257 --> 37:23.818 - Thank you, Secretary General. 37:23.818 --> 37:26.985 A few days ago, General John Nicholson 37:26.987 --> 37:29.654 said Taliban have three options. 37:31.105 --> 37:35.272 They will join to peace process or they will go in isolation 37:36.682 --> 37:38.599 or they will be killed. 37:40.384 --> 37:44.301 With this strong statement, what's the response 37:44.461 --> 37:46.711 of the NATO for this point? 37:48.170 --> 37:51.062 And do you support these three points, 37:51.062 --> 37:54.395 or what do you response that, thank you. 37:54.805 --> 37:58.972 - I support the message from United States, from NATO, 37:59.165 --> 38:01.248 which we convey together, 38:01.496 --> 38:05.191 and that is that we need to strengthen our military presence 38:05.191 --> 38:07.179 with more trainers, with more advice, 38:07.179 --> 38:10.199 strengthen our trainer system, advice mission in Afghanistan 38:10.199 --> 38:12.116 to break the stalemate, 38:12.574 --> 38:16.574 to enable the Afghan Forces to regain territory, 38:17.526 --> 38:19.443 to send a clear message 38:20.650 --> 38:22.802 to the Taliban and to the terrorists 38:22.802 --> 38:26.111 that they will not win on the battlefield. 38:26.111 --> 38:28.663 So they have to sit down at the negotiating table 38:28.663 --> 38:31.087 and find a negotiated solution. 38:31.087 --> 38:35.176 So again, we see this link between the military strength 38:35.176 --> 38:39.343 and the ability to reach a peaceful negotiated solution. 38:41.985 --> 38:44.898 The situation in Afghanistan is difficult. 38:44.898 --> 38:48.398 We see violence, we see terrorist attacks. 38:48.584 --> 38:50.167 The Afghan National 38:50.786 --> 38:54.130 Security Forces have suffered casualties. 38:54.130 --> 38:55.740 But at the same time we see some progress. 38:55.740 --> 38:57.778 We have, for instance, seen that this year 38:57.778 --> 39:01.528 the Taliban has not been able to gain control 39:01.690 --> 39:05.189 or take control over any of the provincial capitals, 39:05.189 --> 39:09.356 despite that that was one of the declared strategic goals of 39:10.941 --> 39:13.691 the Taliban this fighting season. 39:14.178 --> 39:16.744 And we have also seen that the Afghan National 39:16.744 --> 39:18.967 Security Forces are able to respond every time 39:18.967 --> 39:22.384 the Taliban and insurgents are attacking. 39:22.888 --> 39:24.103 - Thank you very much. 39:24.103 --> 39:26.328 This concludes this press point, but of course, 39:26.328 --> 39:28.727 we'll have time for more questions tomorrow 39:28.727 --> 39:30.227 and the day after. 39:30.295 --> 39:33.045 See you then. - Thank you so much.