"The Ministers also were of one mind that under the current geopolitical circumstances the Alliance should place a stronger focus on reinforcing security on its eastern ans southern flanks," the statement published following the meeting of the top diplomats read.
It was added in the statement that the ministers agreed that the Minsk deal on Ukraine settlement should be fully implemented.
Since 2014, NATO has been building up its military presence in Europe, particularly in eastern European countries bordering Russia, including Latvia, using Moscow's alleged interference in Ukraine as a pretext for the move.
Moscow has repeatedly rejected assertions about its intentions and actions in the region. Moreover, Russia has warned against NATO’s increasing military buildup along its borders despite previous agreements, stating such actions are provocative and threaten regional and global stability.
