Pavel: NATO members must make clear they are ready to defend their airspace and territorial waters

NATO member states must make it clear that they are prepared to defend their airspace and territorial waters, President Petr Pavel said on Wednesday after talks with his Romanian counterpart Nicusor Dan, who is on an official visit to Czechia.

Pavel, a former Czech army chief and chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, has repeatedly warned that Russia is testing how the West will respond to its provocations. He has also consistently stressed that Russia understands only the language of strength.

The two presidents discussed not only hybrid threats but also opportunities for cooperation, including in energy and defence.

“We have a common position and agreed that we will also cooperate in this area,” the Romanian president said.