New York (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – According to a press release by the NATO alliance on Wednesday, Secretary General Mark Rutte will be in New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from Wednesday to Thursday.
The visit comes as NATO allies coordinate their positions on global security challenges from the war in Ukraine, the tensions in the Middle East, and the situation regarding the nuclear program of Iran.
As part of the trip, Rutte will hold meetings with world leaders and senior officials. He is expected to attend the Transatlantic Dinner hosted by United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, to speak with cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
How has NATO responded to Russian military provocations recently?
In recent days, Rutte has stressed NATO’s unconditional dedication to defending all allied territories, as well as a strong reaction to provocations, including incursions from Russian military aircraft without authorisation.
Rutte expressed these sentiments during a press conference on September 23, 2025, after a North Atlantic Council meeting conducted under Article 4, following an incursion into Estonian airspace involving Russian MiG-31 fighter jets. Rutte called the actions of Russia reckless and escalatory, risking miscalculation and threatening lives.
Why are past NATO chiefs often present at UNGA sessions?
Former NATO Secretary Generals have frequently participated in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings as a routine part of their international diplomacy. Jens Stoltenberg (served in the role from 2014 until 2024) attended several of the UNGA annual events during his term, which included discussions on global security issues, NATO’s contribution to peace and security around the globe, as well as matters regarding current conflicts like Ukraine.
