Brussels, Belgium — April 3, 2025
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at NATO Headquarters in Brussels today. The meeting marked Rubio’s first appearance at a foreign ministers' meeting since assuming his role.
Condolences for Fallen Soldiers
Secretary General Rutte began by expressing condolences for the four U.S. soldiers who died during military exercises in Lithuania. He acknowledged the efforts of the U.S., Lithuania, Poland, and Estonia in the recovery operations. Rutte praised the fallen soldiers for their service, extending thoughts to their families and fellow soldiers.
Strengthening NATO and Addressing Global Threats
Rutte commended Rubio for his dedication to diplomacy and his previous support of NATO as a senator. The Secretary General highlighted the ongoing support for Ukraine, noting that NATO Allies have provided over $20 billion in military aid in the first few months of this year. He stressed the importance of addressing other global threats, including Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.
Rutte emphasized the need for European Allies and Canada to increase defense spending, noting that recent investments represent the largest surge since the Cold War. He also discussed collaboration with Indo-Pacific partners like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand on defense production.
Rubio Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to NATO
Secretary Rubio thanked Rutte for the warm welcome and condolences. He affirmed the U.S.'s active role in NATO, dismissing media speculation about the country's commitment. Rubio emphasized the importance of strengthening NATO by increasing the defense capabilities of member states.
He acknowledged that balancing defense spending with domestic needs is challenging, especially for countries with established social safety nets. However, he stressed that recent global conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, demonstrate the ongoing need for strong defense capabilities.
Rubio reiterated President Trump’s stance on NATO, emphasizing that the U.S. is committed to the alliance as long as it remains robust and capable of defending its members. He called for a realistic pathway toward meeting the 5 percent defense spending target for all members, including the United States.
The meeting is expected to cover various topics, including security challenges in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Rubio expressed his hope for productive discussions during his visit.
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