NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and President Emmanuel Macron discussed on Thursday (12 November) the need to step up support for Ukraine, ramp up defence production and boost transatlantic defence industrial cooperation.
During his first official visit to Paris since taking office, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of France's high-end military capabilities and skilled armed forces for the collective security of the Alliance.
They discussed the need for increased defence investment and robust transatlantic cooperation to ensure the Alliance's lasting security.
"The more we spend on defence, the more we reduce the risk of future conflict," said Rutte.
Mr. Rutte and President Macron also discussed the need for more support for Ukraine ahead of what could be its harshest winter, as Russia relentlessly targets its energy infrastructure.
Mr Rutte commended France for training and equipping an entire Ukrainian brigade, the Anne of Kyiv Brigade, and for its pledge to send Mirage fighter jets early next year.
"France has delivered advanced artillery guns, air defence systems, cruise missiles, and armoured vehicles," he said.
The Secretary General also raised concerns about deepening military ties between Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, which pose a threat to European security and global peace.
Prior to his meeting with the French President, the Secretary General visited the factory floor of the French defence industry company Thales Group. During the visit, Mr Rutte met with young talents and engineers developing cutting-edge capabilities for NATO Allies.
