9 minutes agoRutte says ' NATO 3.0' aims at stronger Europe within stronger alliance
Periskopi(2 months ago)
(2 months ago)Secretary - General NATO, Mark Rutte, on Wednesday described"NATO 3,018x1> as a vision for"a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO", stressing that the transatlantic alliance remains anchored in co-operation with the United States, while pushing European allies to take greater responsibility for their conventional defence.
Speaking after a meeting of Bucharest's Nineth (B9), Rutte said Russia remains the most important and direct"threat to the alliance because of its ongoing war in Ukraine.
We can't let our guard down. We will always do what is necessary to protect every centimeter of NATO territory", he said, stressing strengthened measures of prevention and protection along the east wing of NATO and the north of Epper, writes. AA, broadcast Periscope.
Rutte stressed that the alliance now must further boost military capabilities, defence production and spending ahead of this year's NATO summit in Ankara.
Explaining the concept of"NATO 3,0", Rutte said the model envisions"a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO", with the US continuing to provide nuclear and conventional support, while European members assume greater responsibility for conventional protection.
Rutte once again praised US President Donald Trump for pushing allies to boost defence spending, calling last year's NATO summit at The Hague"one of the biggest foreign policy successes"of the American president.
He noted that some NATO members are now planning to exceed the target of 5% before 2035.
While addressing concerns about tensions between Washington and several European allies over US and Israeli attacks on Iran, Rutte acknowledged"disappointment in the United States"for the reactions of some allies, but said European countries have been hearing the message".
"We are really working together on this", he added, pointing to co-operation in securing the Hormuz Strait, including demining operations and pre-positioning military assets.
Referring to the Russia-Ukrainian war, he stressed the need to continue Ukraine's military support while we expect meaningful peace negotiations.
I have to say that the ball is clearly in the field of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. He has to play the game. He's not doing this yet... He must be willing to play the game to engage, indeed, in peace negotiations", Rutte further said. /Periscope/
