NATO's response to Russian threat on southern flank intensifies
- The Russian presence on NATO's southern flank poses a challenge and threat to the North Atlantic Alliance, stated Javier Colomina, NATO representative for the southern neighborhood, in an interview with the Catalan newspaper "La Vanguardia."
The diplomat said, "We see many challenges and threats in the South, including the presence of foreign states that contribute to instability. One of the most significant presences is Russia."
Colomina noted that the Sahel, a region in the north bordering the Sahara, is also a source of significant security issues.
He mentioned threats such as illegal trade, migration, and climate change in addition to Russia. He emphasized that he doesn’t see any other way than cooperation with regional organizations and countries seeking agreement and compromise between sanctions policy and realpolitik.
Different NATO approaches to Russia and China
Although NATO finds Russia's presence in Africa and the Middle East alarming, the Spaniard notes that NATO's approach to China is different. Chinese activity poses a challenge, "but it is very different from our perception of Russia, which we define as an adversary and a threat."
He added, "With China, we do not have adversarial relations but rather strategic competition. We openly discuss with them what we believe they are doing wrong, for example, their stance on Ukraine."
Support for Ukraine - NATO's priority
- Despite greater engagement in the south, NATO's primary priority will continue to be supporting Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russian aggression - emphasized Colomina. In his opinion, the two directions are not contradictory.
The Spaniard was informed that a NATO office is expected to be established in Amman in the coming months, which will allow for better observation of the region. Plans to open other offices are also in place, depending on the consent of individual countries.
Javier Colomina's nomination and Italian reactions
Colomina, previously the special representative of NATO's Secretary-General for the Caucasus and Central Asia, was appointed at the end of July as the NATO representative for the southern neighborhood. Italy, which had hoped to create a similar post for its representative, negatively received the nomination.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's decision was met with protests from Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, who stated that the lack of nomination for an Italian representative is a "betrayal."
- Italy is a crucial country on the southern flank of the Alliance, and I will work with them as much as I can - assured Colomina in a Sunday interview.
