Open cooperation between NATO and the defense industry is essential for the security of the alliance, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said during the NATO Defense Industry Forum 2025, which is taking place in Bucharest. The event began yesterday and continues today, reports the „Agerpress“ agency, BTA reports.
The forum is organized by the Supreme Allied Command Transformation (SACT) and the Defense Industry, Innovation and Armaments Division of the NATO International Staff, with the support of the Romanian Ministry of Defense. Around 900 representatives from 26 member states and partner countries, as well as over 300 companies from the sector, are taking part.
Rutte described the forum as one of the leading events in this field. He stressed that industry is an "integral part of the alliance's defense and deterrence capabilities", emphasizing the "power of innovation" for modern defense.
The Secretary General noted that Romania plans to increase its defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030. Speaking about the alliance's security, he recalled the principle of "peace through strength" and stressed that NATO and industry partners have a joint responsibility to maintain defense power.
Rutte described Russia's war against Ukraine as a clear manifestation of the threat and warned that the danger will not disappear with the end of the conflict. According to him, Moscow will continue to be a destabilizing factor, which is why the alliance must be ready for a “long-term confrontation“.
The Secretary General arrived in Romania yesterday on his first official visit in this role. He held meetings with President Nikos Dan, Prime Minister Ilie Bolognese and the speakers of both chambers of parliament. Today, Rutte and the Romanian president participate in the second session of the forum.