NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, travelled today (4 September 2025) to Czechia. He met Prime Minister Petr Fiala, and discussed the implementation of decisions taken by Allied leaders at the NATO Summit in The Hague, in June, to enhance defence spending and defence production, and to continue supporting Ukraine. "Czechia is a staunch and reliable Ally, making important contributions to NATO's deterrence and defence," the Secretary General said. "You have a strong defence industry, you contribute to NATO's Forward Land Forces, you have participated in NATO's Air Policing Mission. So, Czechia knows what it means to stand by your Allies and NATO Allies stand with you," he added.
Mr Rutte emphasised Czechia as a staunch supporter of Ukraine, highlighting the Czech-led ammunition initiative as a resounding success. On the ongoing efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine and create the conditions for a just and lasting peace, Secretary General Rutte participated virtually in a meeting of leaders on Ukraine, today, along with the Czech Prime Minister. Speaking after the meeting, the Secretary General welcomed progress on the design of security guarantees that will complement strong Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The NATO Secretary General also delivered a speech at the Prague Defence Summit organised by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS). "Our capabilities are unsurpassed and it is up to us to ensure that they stay that way; our future is in our hands - Europe and North America together; all 32 of us are united in our commitment to collective deterrence and defence," he said.
