Mark Rutte officially assumed the role of NATO Secretary General on 1 October. Outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who is concluding his ten-year term, welcomed him to NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
Upon taking office at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Rutte outlined his three main priorities for the Alliance:
- Ensure we have the capabilities to protect against any threat;
- Support Ukraine in fighting back against Russian aggression; and
- Addressing the growing global challenges to Euro-Atlantic security.
Rutte emphasized the Alliance’s need to “ensure we have the capabilities to protect against any threat.” He stressed the importance of increased defense spending, stating,
“I will work with Allies to ensure that we invest enough, in the right areas, and that we shoulder the burden for our collective defence equitably.”
Supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression remains a key focus for NATO under Rutte’s leadership:
“Supporting Ukraine is the right thing to do. And it is also an investment in our own security,” Rutte declared.
He referenced his personal experiences visiting Ukraine, including cities like Odesa, Kyiv, Bucha, Borodianka, and Kharkiv, where he witnessed “the brutality of Russia’s war of aggression, and the bravery of Ukraine’s people in their fight for freedom.”
Rutte highlighted NATO’s recent decisions at the Washington Summit, including the establishment of a NATO command for Ukraine, a long-term financial pledge, and an “irreversible path to membership” for the country. He committed to fully implementing these decisions and bringing Ukraine “ever closer to NATO.”
Rutte expressed concern over China’s role in supporting Russia’s military industry, stating,
“China cannot continue to fuel the largest conflict in Europe since the second world war without this impacting its interests and reputation.”
He also noted support for Russia from North Korea and Iran.
Responding to a question about the potential impact of the upcoming US election on NATO unity, particularly concerning Ukraine, Rutte said he was “not worried” as he knows “both candidates very well.”
He recalled working with Donald Trump for four years, acknowledging that Trump “pushed us to spend more” and made progress in raising defense spending. Rutte also praised Kamala Harris, calling her a “highly respected leader” with a strong record as vice president. He added that he is prepared to work with either candidate, depending on the election outcome.
Related:
- From “salesman” to “piece of steel”: Trump now praises Zelenskyy, says he likes him
- CNN: Zelenskyy says long-range weapons ban lift key part of his “Victory Plan”
- Stoltenberg: NATO states should support Ukraine’s peace plan, not China’s
- Officials expect NATO’s new chief Rutte to maintain Stoltenberg’s priorities
- White House welcomes Dutch PM Rutte as next NATO chief
