Rutte praised Norway’s role in the region and welcomed Oslo’s agreement with Ukraine to deepen defense and security cooperation, including support for drone production. Kyiv has increasingly sought such partnerships as it tries to expand its battlefield drone capacity and share combat-tested technology with allies. Støre said the US remained Norway’s most important ally because of the country’s position in the High North and its border with Russia. He added that Oslo was also expanding defense ties with the UK, Germany, France, Poland, the Netherlands and Canada. “Norway's expertise and leadership are essential to NATO's posture in the region,” Rutte said.
