NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke at an event organized by the analytical center of Carnegie Europe in Brussels.
In his speech, he emphasized that the increase in defense production and expenses is the main priority in the current period when the Alliance is faced with serious risks in the field of security. The Secretary General noted that Türkiye makes an important contribution to the defense of the Euro -Atlantic region.
Pointing to serious threats to the security of the Euro -Atlantic region by Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, Rutte said: “Safety situation does not look the best. This is the worst situation that I saw in my life.”
The head of NATO expressed a deep conviction that the increase in defense production and defense costs is the absolute priority of the alliance.
“This time, all of us need to be faster and tougher, go to the martyr’s mentality, increase defense production and defense costs.”
noting, the world lives in a situation of “neither war, nor peace”, Rutte said:
“NATO restraining the effect is still in force, but I’m worried about tomorrow”.
Speaking of prospects, Rutte emphasized that the North Atlantic Alliance is not sufficiently prepared for the risks that have been waiting for it in the next 4-5 years.
NATO Secretary General noted the contribution of Turkey to the defense of the Alliance.
“During a visit to Ankara, I visited enterprises of the Turkish aerospace industry (in Turkey) and saw what opportunities they provide. During visits to Germany, France and Italy, we examined what the enterprises of the defense industry need to increase production.
Answering the question about trips to Turkey and Greece, Rutte said:
“My impression of conversations with the president (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan and Prime Minister (Kiryakos) Mitsikitisis is positive – they really work on improving their relationships. The parties are in a much better position than a few years ago. We will do our best, we will do everything possible, to help, because they are two important ally and part of NATO. “
Rutte noted that Türkiye makes an important contribution to the defense of the Euro-Atlantic region, emphasizing that Ankara is “an important part of the general defense of NATO.”