Rutte called on NATO countries to increase defense production — Bloomberg
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on allies to step up defense production. According to him, this is necessary to strengthen the Alliance’s capabilities and enhance its resilience.
He made these remarks on Wednesday, April 22, during a visit to Aselsan Elektronik Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS, Turkey’s largest state-owned defense contractor, Bloomberg reports.
Rutte praised political leaders across the Alliance for their commitment to increasing defense spending.
"Ensuring the security of a billion people in Europe and North America is not just a task for NATO and the armed forces of member countries. Our industry also bears responsibility here," he said.
According to the NATO Secretary General, “money alone” will not be enough to secure the alliance.
“Air defense systems, drones, ammunition, radars, and space capabilities—that is what will ensure our security,” he emphasized.
Rutte noted that NATO is facing a wide range of threats.
"Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, China’s military modernization and nuclear expansion are ongoing, and Iran is spreading terror and chaos," the NATO Secretary General added.
Rutteresponded to the question of whether Trump would withdraw the U.S. from NATO.
Ruttecalled a U.S. withdrawal from NATO unlikely.
Also, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance may once again lead the American delegation in potential negotiations with Iran.
As a reminder, negotiations between the US and Iran began in Islamabad.
Trump also announced the “imminent opening” of the Strait of Hormuz.
Recall that U.S. President Donald Trump is demanding that European allies present concrete plans within a few days to ensure the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
As a reminder, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, during which the parties plan to finalize a definitive agreement.
