NATO Secretary General: The transatlantic partnership remains the bedrock of our Alliance
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On Thursday (6 March 2025) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda to NATO headquarters in Brussels. The leaders discussed the security situation, support for Ukraine and the urgent need for Allies to ramp up defence spending and production in order to meet future challenges.
Mr Rutte praised Poland for its significant contributions to Allied security, highlighting its role as host of one of NATO’s Forward Land Forces as well as its contributions to NATO’s multinational presence in Latvia and Romania. He also noted Poland’s forthcoming participation in NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission.
In recognition of growing security challenges, the Secretary General emphasised the increasing urgency of robust defence investment. He cited Poland’s determined approach as an example to all Allies, noting that the 2014 target of 2% of GDP would not keep members safe long-term. “You lead by example when it comes to investing in defence, with 4.7% defence expenditure pledged for this year.” He continued “On land, at sea and in the air, Poland has demonstrated firm commitment to playing its part in our great Alliance and your NATO Allies stand with you.”
Mr Rutte underscored his confidence in the Euro-Atlantic relationship saying “the transatlantic partnership remains the bedrock of our Alliance.”