Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels ahead of the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting. Secretary Blinken and Secretary General Rutte discussed key Alliance priorities such as concrete steps to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s aggression and strengthening NATO partnerships in the Middle East, North Africa, and Sahel regions. Secretary Blinken and Secretary General Rutte welcomed King Abdullah II of Jordan’s participation for the first time at a Foreign Ministers Meeting as an integral step for increasing cooperation with NATO’s Southern partners. Both sides underscored the importance of Allies working collectively to promote security and stability throughout the Euro-Atlantic in the lead up to the Hague Summit in June.
