Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Berlin as NATO celebrates its 70th anniversary. NATO allies agreed to raise military spending to at least 5% of GDP by 2035. Merz emphasized Germany's commitment to enhance its military capabilities and contribute significantly to Ukraine's defense. Both leaders condemned Russian attacks on civilians and highlighted the need for increased military production in Europe. Rutte noted that European countries are currently purchasing military supplies from South Korea due to production delays in Europe and the USA.
Friedrich Merz stated, 'We will use these resources wisely and methodically and expand the Bundeswehr into an army that is exemplary in the alliance. We will procure new equipment on a large scale, with a special focus on new technologies.'
Merz emphasized that Russia's actions are 'terrorism against the civilian population,' adding, 'This has nothing to do with a war against military targets.'
NATO Secretary General Rutte stressed that 'the problem is that we in Europe and the USA don't produce enough' military supplies.
Collection
[
|
...
]