(MENAFN) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday that the alliance’s collective strength renders it “absolutely unbeatable,” asserting that no nation would dare attack a NATO member, according to reports.

“If this country were under attack, there would be 31 other nations coming to the rescue of Romania. This is how NATO works,” Rutte said at a joint press conference with Romanian President Nicusor Dan in Bucharest. “And I think this makes us unbeatable, absolutely unbeatable. And that is why I believe that nobody will ever try,” he added.

Rutte praised Romania for being a “steadfast and valued ally,” highlighting its leadership in the strategically important Black Sea region. He also commended Romania, Bulgaria, and Türkiye for collaborative efforts to expand demining and patrol operations.

He reaffirmed NATO’s vigilance amid repeated Russian drone incursions into Romanian airspace, noting: “NATO takes these incidents extremely seriously, and we will remain vigilant.

Deterrence is the bedrock of our defense, and so we are making crystal clear that NATO is ready, willing and able to do what it takes to defend.”

Addressing Washington’s recent decision to reduce troop levels in some eastern flank countries, including Romania, Rutte downplayed concerns, describing the adjustments as routine. “The US has a big presence in Europe, and that presence is there … These adjustments take place. Please don't read too much into that,” he said.

Rutte also emphasized growing NATO–EU cooperation on anti-drone technologies, calling their combined efforts “a powerful combination.”

Romanian President Dan affirmed that the country will continue to invest in defense and remain committed to strengthening NATO’s eastern flank. Bucharest is hosting the 2025 NATO Industry Forum on Nov. 5–6, bringing together alliance leaders and defense industry representatives to discuss enhancing defense production, innovation, and cooperation.

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