NATO chief Mark Rutte insisted on Wednesday, April 2nd, that the United States remains committed to the alliance despite fears President Donald Trump is undercutting transatlantic relations.
“I’m absolutely convinced this alliance is there to stay with the U.S. Their commitment is absolutely clear,” Rutte said on the eve of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.
In just over two months in office, Trump’s administration has raised the prospect of withdrawing forces from Europe, reached out to NATO’s number one enemy Russia over Ukraine, and made statements interpreted as threatening to the territories of Canada and Denmark.
“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 U.S. to NATO,” Rutte said. “The Americans have stated again and again: ‘We are committed to NATO. We are committed to article five,’” Rutte continued, referring to the alliance’s collective defence pledge.
NATO allies are set to press U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lay out Washington’s thinking on the future of NATO and Ukraine during two days of talks in Brussels starting Thursday. Diplomats say they hope Rubio will give more details on Trump’s push for a deal with Moscow, and also clarify whether there are plans to withdraw U.S. forces from Europe.
europeanconservative.com / AFP
