NATO Secretary General Visits 1st German-Netherlands Corps and Receives Westphalian Peace Prize in Münster
Places named in this headline: Netherlands
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Münster, Germany, on Thursday, October 1, 2026, meeting with members of the 1st German-Netherlands Corps alongside German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
During the visit, Rutte thanked both leaders, stating that European members of the alliance are stepping up and doing more for continental defence. Rutte highlighted the 1st German-Netherlands Corps as an example of a stronger Europe within NATO. The corps operates as a combat headquarters involving 16 NATO countries, with an international force of 50,000 troops under its command ready to deploy for the defence of Estonia and Latvia.
Later in the day, Rutte accepted the 2026 International Peace of Westphalia Prize on behalf of NATO at the Münster City Hall. The award was presented by the Economic Society of Westphalia-Lippe.
In his acceptance remarks, Rutte stated that NATO continues its mission to prevent conflict, protect allied territory and populations, and preserve peace. Pointing to persistent security challenges, hybrid attacks in Europe, and Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, Rutte emphasized composure, determination, and continued support for Ukraine as key priorities for the alliance.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
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