On Tuesday (8 October 2024), during his first meeting with an Allied leader since taking office, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Finland's many contributions to NATO and its strong support for Ukraine.
"Since Finland became a NATO Ally eighteen months ago, the Alliance has become stronger and Finland has become safer. Finland has highly capable military forces and cutting edge capabilities, and you are investing more than 2% of GDP in defence," said Mr Rutte, during a joint press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
The Secretary General welcomed Finland's decision to host a NATO battlegroup and a new headquarters to lead NATO land operations in the region, which will strengthen the Alliance's deterrence and defence along the Eastern Flank and the High North.
The Secretary General and President Stubb also discussed Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.
"NATO must and will do more to help Ukraine," Mr Rutte said, adding that Ukraine could be facing its toughest winter since the full-scale Russian invasion began, and that Russia continues to carry out strikes against critical energy infrastructure.
Mr Rutte noted that Finland has delivered more than 2 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine.
"What Finland is doing helps save lives. And the more military support we give, the faster this war will end," he said.
While at NATO Headquarters, President Stubb also met with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer.
