NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: NATO.
On 14 October 2024, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte paid his first visit to the Supreme Headquarters of the Alliance (SHAPE), located in Mons, Belgium. During a meeting with Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Christopher Cavoli, and other senior officials, Rutte stressed the importance of collective security and support for Ukraine in the current crisis. This was reported by the NATO press centre .
Visit to Germany and the new NATO Command
Following his visit to SHAPE, the Secretary General travelled with General Cavoli to Wiesbaden, Germany, where the new NATO Security Assistance Training and Support Command (NSATU) is based. Here, Rutte met with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who underlined the importance of security cooperation between the Allies.
The importance of new military infrastructure
In his speech to the troops, Rutte highlighted how critical their role is in training the 700 troops who will soon be deployed to Wiesbaden and logistics bases on the Alliance’s eastern flank. He stressed that the new command will be a crucial factor in strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities on the battlefield, as well as in ensuring the security of all NATO member states.
Coordination of military assistance to Ukraine
The NSATU will play a key role in coordinating military training and supply of weapons to Ukraine, including artillery, ammunition and air defence equipment. This will help prepare Ukrainian forces for future challenges and efforts to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Supporting Ukraine is a priority for NATO
This visit by the NATO Secretary General demonstrates the Alliance’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom and independence. According to Rutte, the security of Ukraine is important not only for the country itself, but also for all NATO member states that seek to ensure stability and peace in the region.
