(VOVworld) – NATO defense ministers agreed on Thursday to strengthen the organization's air and maritime presence in the Black Sea region, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference following the ministers' meeting.

USS Porter crossing Suez canal on October 12, 2012 (Photo: AFP/ VNA)

Mr. Stoltenberg said that as part of NATO's deterrence and defense strategy, the bloc will strengthen its posture in the region. Ministers have also agreed on two additional maritime measures: a greater NATO naval presence in the Black Sea for enhanced training, exercises, situational awareness, and maritime coordination.