Remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Johann Wadephul

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Lieber Johann,

It’s always a pleasure to be in Berlin, and it’s an honour to address the annual German Heads of Mission Conference today. Germany has a powerful diplomatic voice around the world. And for more than 70 years, Germany has been a highly respected Ally. NATO can count on Germany, and Germany can always count on NATO.

NATO stands in solidarity with Germany following Russia’s reckless hybrid attack at Leipzig. I commend Germany´s resolute and balanced response! Ally, after Ally, after Ally came out in support. That is how NATO works – all for one, and one for all.

Russia wants to divide us – but we are united. Russia wants to stop us helping Ukraine – but we are going to do more for Ukraine. Russia wants to act tough – but we, we are stronger.

And NATO will continue to strengthen our ability to deter and defend all Allies, against any threat. Allies are already imposing costs on Russia by countering its shadow fleet. And we continue to help protect critical infrastructure, including with NATO forces in the Baltic Sea. Russia’s actions are a sign of weakness and a symptom of its failure to get its way in Ukraine. But Ukraine shows determination every day.

Johann, you visited the frontline city of Kharkiv recently, and you know the remarkable courage of its people and armed forces. NATO continues to provide essential support to help Ukraine defend against Russian aggression. And Germany is Ukraine’s strongest supporter. Thank you for your leadership.

Today, Germany is leading the way in building a stronger Europe in a stronger, fairer and more capable NATO. We are seeing European Allies and Canada taking on more responsibility for their conventional defence.

Germany contributes to Allied security with a new armoured brigade, permanently stationed in Lithuania. The First German-Netherlands Corps has taken on a new command role on NATO’s eastern flank. And German jets and ships are an essential part of NATO’s deterrence and defence.

More than that, Germany has a plan to invest 3.5% of its GDP in core defence by 2029, well before 2035. Your defence industry is a powerhouse – from world-leading defence companies, to small innovative start-ups. You are producing more, and doing more for our Alliance. And there will also be a defence dividend coming from this for the general economy in Germany. I have no doubt, it will lead to jobs, innovation etc. So, NATO continues to adapt to keep our one billion people safe.

Again, Johann, thank you, for Germany’s leadership and resolve, for your personal commitment to NATO and Ukraine. And for our friendship. I highly appreciate it.