NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) was ceremonially established in Slovakia on Tuesday, local news wire TASR reported.

Slovak Defence Minister Peter Gajdos said the new facility will contribute to the collective defence in Europe.

"The main tasks include supporting NATO's collective defence in the planning process, rendering assistance to joint training and exercises, and, if needed, supporting and coordinating the Reception, Staging and Onward Movement (RSOM) of Allied forces in our region," said the minister.

He said that it is also another step that will contribute to strengthening the security of Slovakia and its citizens, an absolute priority for the country.

Based at Vajnory Barracks close Bratislava, NFIU is a supplement to the other similar units in Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania, according to the report.

It has a total of 41 staff with 21 earmarked for Slovakia and 20 for personnel from other countries.

TASR report says its full capacity is scheduled on June 1.

source: Xinhua