NATO Secretary General welcomes Germany’s new Chancellor to NATO headquarters
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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz to NATO headquarters on Friday (9 May 2025) for bilateral talks, and to discuss preparation of the NATO Summit in The Hague.
Mr Merz visited NATO for the first time as German chancellor. Secretary General Rutte emphasised Germany’s central role in the Alliance. "Germany is a leading power in Europe. And you play a crucial role within NATO. Your contributions to our collective security are substantial."
He commended Germany’s increased defence spending as we "build a stronger, fairer and more lethal NATO."
"We need to ensure our militaries have the capabilities they need to deter and defend – and keep our one billion people safe," Mr Rutte said at a joint press conference.