Mark Rutte, NATO's Secretary General, is in Athens today for discussions with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The visit follows Mr. Rutte's earlier trip to Ankara, where he held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on issues including the war in Ukraine and regional stability.
In his meetings, Mr. Rutte is expected to praise Greece for its role as a stabilizing force in the Eastern Mediterranean.
He is also anticipated to highlight Greece's adherence to NATO’s commitment of investing over 2% of GDP in defense, setting an example within the Alliance.
Athens has been recognized for its efforts to maintain dialogue with Turkey despite persistent challenges, a move viewed positively by NATO as it aims to foster collaboration among its member states.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Mr. Rutte share a longstanding professional relationship from their time as heads of state attending European summits.
Their discussions are likely to cover Greece's contributions to European defense, including strategic military procurements such as Rafale jets and partnerships with France. Greek officials have emphasized that enhancing European defense capabilities is intended to complement NATO's role, not compete with it.
Mr. Rutte's visit also comes as questions emerge over U.S. foreign policy under newly re-elected President Donald Trump, particularly regarding American support for Ukraine.
Mr. Rutte is expected to reaffirm NATO's commitment to Ukraine, reinforcing transatlantic unity at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics. His past diplomatic experience with Mr. Trump, during his tenure as Dutch Prime Minister, could play a pivotal role in maintaining cohesion among NATO allies.
The visit underscores NATO's efforts to reinforce unity among its members, address regional challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean, and navigate global uncertainties with coordinated strategies.