Joe Biden has arrived at NATO Headquarters in Brussels
US President Joe Biden arrived at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Thursday morning. Biden's arrival marks the start of a day filled with international summits, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The US President was greeted by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the entrance of the building in Evere. Afterwards, he met with the other NATO heads of state. A closed-door session about the war in Ukraine will take up most of Biden's time today, followed by summits of the G7 and the EU.
"Putin made a substantial mistake by waging war against an independent and sovereign nation", said Stoltenberg beforehand, in a brief address to the press. "But he has underestimated the strength of the Ukrainian people, just as the courage of the Ukrainians and their army. They are facing more resistance than expected."
"This is the most severe security crisis in a generation. We will handle this crisis for Ukraine, for the NATO and for the entire international, law based order", added the Norwegian Secretary General of NATO.
President Biden arrived in Belgium on Wednesday evening. He was welcomed by Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on the tarmac of the Melsbroek military airport. Biden last visited Belgium in June of 2021, for a previous NATO summit.
The visit of the US President has not caused major traffic disruptions so far. Authorities warn for more potential disruptions on Friday morning, when Biden travels to Melsbroek, for his flight to Warsaw.
© BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE