——– In a video message, Rutte also outlined the alliance’s priorities ahead of its next summit in The Hague
DM Monitoring
WASHINGTON: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addressed the sixth edition of the Atlantic Future Forum on Tuesday (26 November 2024), delivering a video message outlining the alliance’s priorities ahead of its next summit in The Hague. These priorities include strengthening collective defence, increasing support for Ukraine, and deepening international partnerships.
During his speech, Rutte stressed the ongoing threat posed by Russia’s aggression, noting that the impact of such actions extends far beyond Ukraine. “Russia’s aggression is not contained to Ukraine. China, Iran and North Korea’s destabilising actions have far-reaching implications. When aggressors are emboldened it threatens us all, no matter how large or small,” he said.
Rutte emphasised the importance of solidarity within NATO, stating, “There is strength in numbers and value in building on a strong foundation, which is why we must continue to invest in NATO.
A transatlantic future is the only way to ensure our freedom and security,” he concluded.
The event, held in London, was chaired by Lord Sedwill, former UK Cabinet Secretary and National Security Advisor, alongside First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key. The Forum brought together senior leaders from military, government, and academic circles to discuss pressing global security challenges, with a focus on the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.
Earlier, NATO pledged support for Ukraine at talks in Brussels Tuesday after Russia´s attempt to “intimidate” Kyiv´s backers by firing an experimental hypersonic intermediate-range missile last week.
Russia carried out a strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro which President Vladimir Putin said was a test of its new Oreshnik missile.
Putin said the missile attack was in response to Ukraine firing weapons supplied by the United States and Britain into Russia.
The Kremlin leader warned that Moscow felt “entitled” to hit military facilities in countries that allow Ukraine to use their weapons against Russia.
“During the meeting, NATO allies reaffirmed their support for Ukraine,” the alliance said in a statement after the talks. “The attack, which targeted Dnipro, is seen as another attempt by Russia to terrorise the civilian population in Ukraine and intimidate those who support Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia´s illegal and unprovoked aggression.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had called the strike “the latest bout of Russian madness” and appealed for updated air-defence systems to meet the new threat.
Kyiv called for “concrete and meaningful outcomes” after calling the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council.
