NATO Secretary General Commends Norway's Increased Defense Spending and Support for Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, commending Norway for its significant role in strengthening Allied security and its leading support for Ukraine. Norway's core defense spending rose to over 3% of GDP last year, a substantial increase from 2024, with a commitment to further increases. Rutte highlighted Norway's contributions to NATO's Forward Land Forces, air policing, and leadership in major exercises in the High North, emphasizing the Arctic's growing strategic importance.