NATO parliamentarians working to keep the Alliance strong
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Members of NATO’s Parliamentary Assembly (NPA) gathered in Montreal to discuss key challenges to Alliance security and NATO’s essential role in addressing them. On Monday (25 November 2024), the NATO Secretary General addressed the NPA’s 70th Annual Session via video message and NATO’s acting Deputy Secretary General, Boris Ruge, addressed the NPA in person.
The Secretary General underlined the NPA’s crucial role in strengthening NATO’s defences, supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, and addressing global challenges to Euro-Atlantic security, including through cooperation with partners.
Mr Rutte reiterated NATO's commitment to strengthening deterrence and defence in a more dangerous and competitive world. “Allies are spending more on defence,” he said, adding that “we must make our deterrence and defence even stronger. The more we spend on defence, the more we reduce the risk of future conflict”. He urged lawmakers to support this investment, highlighting that “we have a duty to ensure we protect our nations, people and values, and security does not come for free”.
Rutte's acting Deputy, Boris Ruge, was in Montreal for the meeting and answered questions from parliamentarians during their plenary session. He underscored the importance of continuing the support that NATO and Allies are providing to Ukraine, the urgency of increased defence spending as well as the vital role the members of the NPA play in terms of making the case for stronger deterrence and defence.
During his visit to Canada, Mr Ruge also participated in the 16th Annual Halifax International Security Forum, where he addressed the importance of maintaining a strong transatlantic bond and the urgency of ramping up defence industrial production. He held bilateral meetings with a range of interlocutors, notably the Speaker of Ukraine’s parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, and Members of the US Congress.