During their meeting, the two leaders also discussed how to take cooperation forward. “NATO stands ready to assist Libya in building effective security and defence institutions, strengthening your ability to fight terrorism and create conditions for peace,” said Mr. Stoltenberg after the meeting. He added that, in the future, NATO could offer advice on establishing a modern Ministry of Defence, a joint military staff, and security and intelligence services under civilian control. If requested, the Alliance could also support the efforts of the European Union to strengthen the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister al-Sarraj, the Secretary General also addressed the situation in eastern Ukraine. He expressed deep concern over the recent spike in ceasefire violations and violence around Avdiivka. Calling for “an immediate return to the ceasefire,” the Secretary General stressed that OSCE monitors must be guaranteed free and safe access to the region. He further called on Russia to use its considerable influence over the separatists to bring the violence to an end.

Secretary General’s opening remarks at the joint press point with the Prime Minister of Libya, Fayez al-Sarraj

Prime Minister al-Sarraj,

Welcome to NATO Headquarters.

It is a great pleasure to see you again.  We last met in the UN in September and it’s a pleasure to continue the dialogue with you.

We just discussed the security situation in Libya.  And progress is being made in the fight against radical groups. And ISIL has been driven out of its former stronghold of Sirte.  And I welcome that progress.

Prime Minister, I commend you for your efforts to ensure an inclusive political process in Libya.  This is important for your country’s long-term stability.

At the same time, Libya continues to face serious political and security challenges. And we urgently need a political solution to the crisis, based on the implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement.

NATO supports you and your government as the sole representative of the Libyan people.  As you work to stabilise your country, several Allies are already providing military and economic support. And I welcome the support from several NATO Allies.

During our meeting today, we discussed how we can take our cooperation forward.

NATO stands ready to assist Libya in building effective security and defence institutions.

Strengthening your ability to fight terrorism and create conditions for peace.

Looking to the future, we could offer advice on establishing a modern Ministry of Defence, a joint military staff, and security and intelligence services under civilian control.

NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian is already supporting the EU’s Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean with logistical support and information sharing.

If requested, we could also support the efforts of the European Union to strengthen the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy.  This could help keep the Mediterranean free from smuggling and terrorist activity – a strategic priority both for NATO and our partners in North Africa.

Prime Minister al-Sarraj, I look forward to continuing to work with you.  We share a commitment to a stable and prosperous Libya.  So that your people can enjoy the peace they deserve.

Before I end, let me address the situation in eastern Ukraine.

We see the most serious spike in violence in a long time.  Especially in and around Avdiivka and we see that the ceasefire is not respected.  There have been over 5,600 ceasefire violations in the past week.   This is according to the latest updates from the OSCE.

The humanitarian situation is dire, with twenty thousand people facing freezing temperatures.  Without heat, electricity and water.  We call for an immediate return to the ceasefire.  And withdrawal of all heavy weapons banned under the Minsk Agreements.  OSCE monitors must be guaranteed free and safe access throughout the region.  This must include Ukraine’s border with Russia.

We call on Russia to use its considerable influence over the separatists to bring the violence to an end.  All parties should implement their commitments under the Minsk Agreements in full.  NATO will continue to stand by Ukraine with strong political and practical support.

So once again, welcome to NATO Headquarters Prime Minister.  It’s a great pleasure to meet you and to discuss how NATO can provide support.  And support your efforts to stabilise your own country and to implement the political agreement.

Welcome.