BRUSSELS: NATO chief Mark Rutte on Wednesday said that the United States remained committed to the alliance despite President Donald Trump is damaging transatlantic ties.
“I’m absolutely convinced this alliance is there to stay with the US. Their commitment is absolutely clear,” Rutte said on the eve of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.
In just over two months in office, the Trump administration has raised the possibility of withdrawing forces from Europe, engaged with Russia—NATO’s top adversary—over Ukraine, and issued threats against the territories of Canada and Denmark.
Additionally, Trump is expected to announce trade tariffs later on Wednesday that would impact the economies of NATO member countries.
“I know there has been some tough language. I know that there have been allies, for example, on this side of the pond being worried about the long-term commitment of the US to NATO,” Rutte said.
“The Americans have stated again and again: ‘We are committed to NATO. We are committed to article five’,” Rutte said, referring to the alliance’s collective defence pledge.
Ahead of a summit in The Hague in June, Trump is asking the allies to ramp up defence spending — with Washington insisting on a new target of five percent of GDP.
“This commitment comes with a clear expectation, expectation that on this side of the Atlantic and Canada, we will spend more,” Rutte said.
Anxious NATO allies are set to urge US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to clarify Washington’s stance on the future of NATO and Ukraine during two days of talks in Brussels beginning Thursday.
Diplomats hope that Rubio, as Washington’s top diplomat, will provide more details on Trump’s push for a deal with Moscow and offer clarity on whether there are plans to withdraw US forces from Europe.
