New NATO Chief Mark Rutte Emphasizes Ukraine's Sovereignty and Defense Spending
In a recent press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, incoming Secretary General Mark Rutte outlined his priorities as he prepares to take over from Jens Stoltenberg. Rutte, who has served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands for 14 years, stated that ensuring the survival of Ukraine as a sovereign nation is at the top of his agenda, alongside calls for NATO countries to increase their defense spending.
Rutte praised Stoltenberg's leadership, noting that NATO is larger and stronger due to his contributions. He expressed pride in succeeding Stoltenberg, saying, "There are three priorities: Ukraine is at the top of the list, but we also need to do more to strengthen our own defense. And third, we need to do more to enhance NATO partnerships, including in the Far East."
Ukraine's situation was a central theme of the discussion, with Rutte emphasizing its significance. He displayed confidence regarding the potential election of Donald Trump in the upcoming US elections, stating that Trump's previous presidency pushed European allies to allocate more resources to defense and develop a better understanding of the threat posed by China.
"I am not worried about Trump winning the election. I know both candidates well, and I have worked with Donald Trump for four years. It was he who pressured us to spend more on defense. He achieved that. We are now at a much higher level regarding defense spending than when Donald Trump became president in 2017," Rutte commented. He acknowledged that Trump's push for higher defense expenditures was not unfounded and agrees with his stance on addressing the challenges posed by China.
Rutte also commended Vice President Kamala Harris for her leadership, indicating his willingness to collaborate with both US candidates, should either be elected. This assurance underscores the importance of maintaining a strong transatlantic relationship, which he plans to prioritize.
Outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed confidence in Rutte's readiness to lead NATO, citing his experience in coalition-building and consensus-making as crucial attributes in the organization's dynamics. Stoltenberg highlighted that NATO has improved its readiness and strength over the past decade, with 23 out of 32 member countries now meeting the defense spending target of at least two percent of their gross domestic product. This commitment has resulted in NATO maintaining over 500,000 troops on high alert, with an increased military presence in Eastern Europe adjacent to Russia.
Additionally, Stoltenberg noted that four new countries—Sweden, Finland, North Macedonia, and Montenegro—joined NATO during his tenure. With Rutte’s leadership, NATO is expected to continue focusing not only on the defense of its allies but also on strengthening global partnerships. As he steps into this critical role, the emphasis on Ukraine's sovereignty and the commitment to enhancing collective defense will undoubtedly remain central to NATO's mission.
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