UPDATE - NATO chief says US needs Europe as much as Europe needs US for security

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By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The NATO chief marked the alliance's 75th anniversary on Thursday, saying that it not only spread "peace, democracy and prosperity" throughout Europe but also "multiplied America's might."

"Today we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the strongest, most enduring and most successful alliance in history," Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at the commemoration ceremony in Brussels.

"Europe needs America for its security. At the same time, North America also needs Europe," he said. "European allies provide world-class militaries, vast intelligence networks and unique diplomatic leverage, multiplying America's might."

He underscored that he does not believe in "America alone" or "Europe alone."

"I believe in America and Europe together in NATO because we are stronger and safer together," he added.

He stressed that fair burden sharing between members is essential and said Europe is investing more, as the majority of NATO allies will invest at least 2% of the GDP in defense in 2024.

The ceremony was attended by the foreign ministers of Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Belgium.

During their brief speeches, the ministers mostly touched on the need for continued support to Ukraine, which is battling Russian advances.

The anniversary comes as the post-World War II alliance now has 32 members, having recently admitted Finland and Sweden, who sought entrance after the Ukraine war, as well as new challenges such as climate change, regional frictions, and Donald Trump, who is said to have threatened to withdraw the US from the alliance.

Stoltenberg later addressed the media with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

He said during the NATO-Ukraine Council later in the day they will discuss how to further strengthen cooperation with Ukraine and how they can move towards its membership in the alliance.

Kuleba, for his part, underlined the importance of having Patriots missiles, saying it will be the "main focus" of the discussions during the meeting.