Following his appointment, the new commander of the transatlantic military alliance declared that NATO had to make sure that Ukraine won its conflict with Russia. At a ceremony in Brussels on Tuesday, Mark Rutte formally assumed the role of secretary-general of NATO, declaring Ukraine his “top priority.” More than three months after Jens Stoltenberg was nominated by the alliance’s 32 members, the former prime minister of the Netherlands assumed the position.
“We have to make sure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent, democratic nation,” Rutte told reporters, adding that he “cannot wait to get to work.”
He added that keeping a close eye on the situation in Lebanon is of utmost importance given the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The newly appointed head of NATO also declared that he could cooperate with either candidate in the next US presidential election, therefore he is not concerned about it.
It has been suggested that the Republican candidate, former US President Donald Trump, could cut support to Ukraine or weaken security guarantees for some NATO members should he return to the White House after the November elections.
Taking note of Trump’s persistent demands that NATO members increase their defense spending, Rutte said he was unconcerned because he had previously collaborated with the US presidential candidate.
He went on, “I think he was right there, and he was also pushing us on China.” The head of NATO also mentioned strengthening relationships with allies in the Asia-Pacific region and increasing manufacturing in the Western defense sector. “Mark possesses the ideal foundation to excel as a secretary-general,” a visibly moved Stoltenberg declared, capping ten years in office.
Taking note of Trump’s persistent demands that NATO members increase their defense spending, Rutte said he was unconcerned because he had previously collaborated with the US presidential candidate. He went on, “I think he was right there, and he was also pushing us on China.”
The head of NATO also mentioned strengthening relationships with allies in the Asia-Pacific region and increasing manufacturing in the Western defense sector. “Mark possesses the ideal foundation to excel as a secretary-general,” a visibly moved Stoltenberg declared, capping ten years in office.