The Slovakian Multinational Brigade of NATO, led by Spain, receives a visit from the Prime Minister of Portugal

•  The Portuguese delegation was received with honours and a military parade was held

The Slovak Multinational Brigade Task Force (MN BDE TF SVK) of NATO, led by Spain, received a visit from the Prime Minister of Portuguese Republic, Luís Montenegro, at the Military Training Area (MTA) in Lešť.

The head of the Portuguese government, who was accompanied by his Minister of Defence, João Nuno Lacerda Teixeira de Melo, and the Chief of the Portuguese Defence Staff, General José Nunes da Fonseca, met with his country's troops who are part of this multinational force.

The Portuguese delegation was received with honours at the central courtyard of Camp Slavia by Colonel José Manuel Sánchez Arribas, who is its commander, and by the main commanders of the Portuguese contingent deployed in Slovakia.

This was followed by a military parade in which the Portuguese unit integrated into the Battlegroup took part, led by the flag of the Protected Infantry “Colón” VIII/3, of the Legionary Brigade (BRILEG), underlining the importance of cooperation and interoperability between allied forces.

A fter signing the guest books of Portugal and the Multinational Brigade, Prime Minister Montenegro addressed a few words of recognition to his soldiers and all the military personnel who make up this NATO unit for their professionalism, dedication and high level of preparedness, highlighting the fundamental role they play in the deterrence and collective defence of the eastern flank of the Atlantic Alliance.

Takeover of the Slovenian contingent

Meanwhile, the Slovenian contingent of the MN BDE TF SVK has been relieved. The Slovenian forces carried out their transfer of authority in a ceremony presided over by Colonel Gregor Hafner, commander of the 72nd Brigade of the Slovenian Army, which was attended by the head of the MN BDE TF SVK, Colonel Sánchez Arribas.

The military ceremony took place at Camp Slavia in an atmosphere of military solemnity, reflecting the importance of the operational continuity of the various national contingents integrated into the NATO Brigade.

During his speech, Colonel Hafner highlighted the commitment and professionalism of the Slovenian personnel deployed and stressed the importance of multinational cooperation and the joint effort of all the allied forces stationed in Slovakia under Spanish leadership. In this regard, Slovenia's participation, together with other allied nations, strengthens the cohesion, interoperability and credibility of the Alliance in a complex and demanding security environment.

Spanish participation in Slovakia

NATO's military presence on the Alliance's eastern front is a key element of its enhanced commitment to deterrence and defence, which has been stepped up in recent years to reflect the new security reality in the Euro-Atlantic area.

In this context, on 20 January 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces began the progressive deployment of personnel and capabilities in Slovakia. Spain is currently leading the establishment of the NATO multinational brigade and maintains a multinational task force permanently deployed in the town of Lešť.

Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal and the Czech Republic have joined NATO's efforts in allied territory in Eastern Europe. Under Spanish leadership, they complement the capabilities of MN BDE TF SVK. Spain provides forces and capabilities to this mission as part of its commitments to international security and defence organisations.