A joint statement issued after their meeting in Brussels reads that "the deployment of North Korean soldiers in support of Russia's war of aggression represented a significant escalation of the war against Ukraine as well as a serious threat to European security and global peace."

Therefore during today's talks, the two officials pointed out the importance of a close and strategic partnership between the Union and the Alliance.

To address these evolving threats and challenges, President von der Leyen and Secretary-General Rutte have agreed to set up a new high-level task force to strengthen the existing EU-NATO cooperation.