Joint read-out of the meeting between President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
Today, President Ursula von der Leyen and Secretary General Mark Rutte met for the first time since he took office at the helm of NATO. Their discussion focused on the importance of a close and strategic partnership between the Union and the Alliance.
Both agreed that in an increasingly dangerous world, this partnership is vital in order to champion and safeguard peace, freedom and prosperity.
Russia’s war of aggression on European soil is the single biggest threat to peace and security on the European continent.
President von der Leyen and Secretary General Rutte both emphasised that the deployment of North Korean soldiers in support of Russia’s war of aggression represented a significant escalation of the war against Ukraine as well as a serious threat to European security and global peace.
They also discussed the growing assertiveness of authoritarian states on the world’s stage. These states challenge our common interests, values and democratic principles, using multiple means – political, economic, technological and military.
To address these evolving threats and challenges, President von der Leyen and Secretary General Rutte have agreed today to set up a new high-level task force to strengthen the existing EU-NATO cooperation.
Planning for the first meeting of the task force is expected to move forward in the coming weeks.
Source – EU Commission
Read out of the phone call between President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol
Brussels, 28 October 2024
President Ursula von der Leyen just spoke with President Yoon on the phone. The two Presidents discussed the progress made on the Security and Defence Partnership announced at the EU-Korea Summit in May 2023 in Seoul. They welcomed its imminent launch.
This partnership underscores the interlinked nature of the security of Europe and of East-Asia. It will reinforce the shared commitment of the EU and the Republic of Korea to promote peace and stability across both regions.
The launch of this partnership is timely and its logic, more valid than ever, emphasised President von der Leyen during the call.
Because for the first time, North Korea soldiers are deployed in support of Russia’s war of aggression.
North Korea is also increasingly providing lethal assistance to Russia. This represents a significant escalation of the war against Ukraine and threatens global peace, said President von der Leyen.
President von der Leyen assured President Yoon that the EU’s response to this development will centre on cooperation with the Republic of Korea and other like-minded partners.
President von der Leyen also expressed the EU’s concern regarding the deepening of Russia-North Korea military cooperation, which could embolden Pyongyang to further raise tensions on the Korean peninsula.
Finally, President von der Leyen looked forward to receiving President Yoon in Brussels on the occasion of the next EU-Korea Summit, at a time yet to be determined.
Source – EU Commission