NATO’s Rutte signals strength with blunt message to Russia ahead of summit
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (Photo: Getty Images)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Alliance countries intend to significantly strengthen defense-industrial cooperation, and Russia must understand that the bloc is stronger than its army, according to a broadcast of his speech in Washington.
Rutte said that around 3,000 defense industry companies operate in Türkiye, which are involved in work throughout NATO territory.
Regarding the plans and objectives of the allies' meeting on July 5-7, the Secretary General spoke about new contracts and agreements.
Rutte said that at the summit they would hold a major defence industry day on the first day and that there would be a huge number of new contracts, letters of intent, as well as the signing of major agreements.
The NATO Secretary General emphasized that such steps must demonstrate the Alliance's resolve to both its own citizens and Russia.
He noted that this would send a clear signal to their billion citizens across NATO territory and that they were truly doing what was necessary.
At the same time, Rutte also addressed Russia, stating NATO's advantage in defense production.
The Alliance’s Secretary General added that this was also a signal to the Russians that they knew what they were doing and that they were better at it.
What preceded this
Mark Rutte visited Washington on the eve of the summit. His goal was to ease tensions between US President Donald Trump and European allies before the summit in Ankara, which will take place on July 5-7.
The disputes and misunderstandings between the US and its allies arose after a number of countries refused to help Trump in the military campaign against Iran. In particular, this concerns the unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump was particularly offended by France, Germany, Britain, and Italy.
While in Washington, Mark Rutte showed Trump and his team infographics showing increases in defense spending by European countries, which the American leader had previously insisted on.
