The public forum began at 10 a.m. with an official reading of a statement from NATO’s secretary general, Mark Rutte, the former prime minister of the Netherlands.

The day’s attention is on the defense industry forum, where defense ministers and experts are expected to discuss more cooperation between NATO countries and arms producers.

Defence Discussions and High Rank Visits are Going
The defense forum, which has about 400 invited delegates, is being hosted by Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans and the employers’ organization VNO-NCW. At the same time, there will be a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at the World Forum and later in the evening a working dinner involving defence ministers.



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, encouraged by President Trump to participate on a smaller scale, remains on the White House schedule to meet Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof at the official residence.

Zelenskyy was also due to join other heads of state and their partners at the formal state banquet given by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima in Den Bosch.

Huge Security Operation and Travel Disruptions
Tens of thousands of police officers and military personnel are guarding the two-day event.

Nine thousand more shifts will be assigned to border police under the operation, code-named "Orang.