LOC22:22
19:22 GMT
BRUSSELS, April 2 (KUNA) -- NATO Foreign Ministers Thursday directed NATO's top commander, General Wolters, to coordinate necessary military support to combat coronavirus and to start using fast-track paths through Europe's airspace for military flights carrying medical supplies.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made the remarks in a statement after meeting of the Foreign Ministers, held by videoconference for the first time in NATO's history.
Ministers also agreed to hold an extra-ordinary meeting of Defence Ministers in April to review the support provided to Allies and take decisions on any further steps.
"We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of NATO, meet today in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic which is affecting all Allies and partners, imposing a huge cost in lives lost, as well as a sudden and severe shock to our economies," they said in a joint statement.
"Allies are also working together to ensure public access to transparent, timely, and accurate information, which is critical to overcoming this pandemic and to combating disinformation. Because we need a coordinated and comprehensive approach, NATO is working closely with other international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the European Union," it said.
They welcomed today North Macedonia as NATO's 30th Ally. (end)
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