BRUSSELS (CHATNEWSTV) — NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz to NATO headquarters on Friday for bilateral talks ahead of the upcoming alliance summit in The Hague.
It was Merz’s first visit to NATO as Chancellor of Germany. Speaking at a joint press conference, Rutte praised Berlin’s growing leadership and its increased defence contributions to the alliance.
“Germany is a leading power in Europe,” Rutte said. “And you play a crucial role within NATO. Your contributions to our collective security are substantial.”
The visit focused on preparations for the July summit, with both leaders discussing military readiness and alliance cohesion amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Rutte highlighted Germany’s increased defence spending, calling it a vital step as NATO seeks to modernize and strengthen deterrence.
“We need to ensure our militaries have the capabilities they need to deter and defend — and keep our one billion people safe,” Rutte said. “We are building a stronger, fairer and more lethal NATO.”
Chancellor Merz did not issue a formal statement but expressed support for continued cooperation and transatlantic unity in his remarks.
