President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb visited Brussels on Tuesday 8 October 2024. The President’s program included meetings with King Philippe of Belgium, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer.
King Philippe and President Stubb discussed the security environment in Europe and the Middle East, as well as relations between Finland and Belgium. The last meeting between the Heads of State of Finland and Belgium took place almost twenty years ago.
First Allied leader to meet the Secretary General
President Stubb was the first Allied leader to meet the new NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, at NATO Headquarters. Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte took office at the beginning of October.
“Finland supports the Secretary General’s work for our common security,” President Stubb said at a joint press conference after the meeting.
The President and the Secretary General discussed the implementation of the Washington Summit decisions, in particular the strengthening of deterrence and defence, and support for Ukraine.
“Steadfast support for Ukraine is a matter for the entire Alliance and a commitment to everyone’s safety,” the President said.
The topic of discussion with Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, was Finland’s integration into NATO.
“Our security environment has changed. More and more is required of the Allies, both to boost their own performance and to support Ukraine,” President Stubb said.
