[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] At the NATO Defense Ministers Meeting held this week in Brussels, Belgium, discussions are expected on additional measures to strengthen defense capabilities in Eastern European countries in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
CNN reported this on the 14th (local time), citing a U.S. official. The official described NATO's additional response as "adding flesh to the bones."
Partially, the discussions will focus on additional measures to reinforce NATO's response forces and adding troops to these forces. However, the official noted that the additional missions assigned to the response forces must be finalized beforehand.
According to U.S. and NATO officials, discussions are also expected regarding the command structure, including incorporating U.S. and NATO authorities under NATO's command.
Additionally, there will be discussions on whether the air defense capabilities in the Eastern European region are sufficient, including adding air defense systems and relocating existing air defense systems.
White House officials will visit Brussels to coordinate U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Europe. The schedule for President Biden's European visit has not yet been determined, and Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken are also expected to accompany him.
U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson John Kirby stated that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will visit Slovakia and Bulgaria after attending the NATO Defense Ministers Meeting in Brussels.
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