Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a phone conversation with newly appointed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday, October 2, to congratulate him on his new role. The two leaders discussed a range of key issues, with a focus on reinforcing NATO’s commitment to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
In a statement from the State Department, spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “Secretary Blinken and Secretary General Rutte reaffirmed the United States’ and NATO’s immediate and long-term support for Ukraine.” Blinken emphasized the importance of operationalizing NATO’s Security Assistance and Training initiatives to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
The call also addressed broader NATO priorities, including implementing decisions from the recent Washington Summit. “They discussed NATO’s deepening relationships with its partners, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and NATO’s Southern Neighborhood,” Miller noted.
Both Blinken and Rutte underscored NATO’s critical role in maintaining security across the Atlantic. “The transatlantic bond remains indispensable for our collective security,” the spokesperson added, highlighting NATO’s ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving global threats.
