New NATO chief Mark Rutte stressed on Tuesday that he is determined to prepare the North Atlantic alliance for the challenges of the future, adding that the bloc must keep promises it made to Ukraine to help the country in its war against Russia.

The conflict in Ukraine is not limited to the front lines, NATO’s new secretary said. “We must commit to the implementation of the promised support to Ukraine, including the path leading to NATO membership, he stressed, during a ceremony for the change of leadership, together with outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, at the headquarters of NATO in Brussels.

The former Dutch prime minister made it clear that NATO allies must spend more to keep the alliance’s defenses strong.

Asked about the situation in Lebanon, he replied that NATO is monitoring what is happening, but has no specific role in the region and added: “we hope that the hostilities will end as soon as possible.”

As for whether he is worried about the outcome of the upcoming US election, Mark Rutte said he is not, as he will be able to work with either candidate – either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump, whichever even if he wins.