United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte held a productive introductory call on January 30, focusing on enhancing NATO’s defense capabilities. Both leaders emphasized the critical need to increase defense spending and expand the defense industrial base on both sides of the Atlantic.
“We must raise Allied defense spending and bolster industrial capacity to effectively confront today’s security challenges,” Hegseth said, reiterating the United States’ full commitment to these goals under President Trump’s leadership.
Rutte also stressed the importance of unity within the Alliance and the necessity of closer cooperation. The two leaders agreed to meet in person soon to further align their strategies and objectives.
