NATO Secretary General Rutte: Trump clearly expressed the United States' commitment to NATO.

06.03.2025 20:20

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addressed concerns about the future of NATO, stating, "The transatlantic partnership continues to be the foundation of our alliance. President Trump has clearly expressed the commitment of the United States and himself to NATO."

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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with Polish President Andrzej Duda at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Rutte and Duda held a joint press conference after their meeting.

"TRUMP CLEARLY EXPRESSED THE U.S. COMMITMENT TO NATO"

Addressing concerns about NATO's future, Rutte said, "We are in times of uncertainty, and I know that some have concerns about NATO's future. So let me be clear. The transatlantic partnership continues to be the foundation of our alliance. President Trump has clearly expressed the U.S. commitment to NATO, both on behalf of the United States and personally. Additionally, the expectation that those of us in Europe need to do more regarding defense spending has also been clearly articulated."

"WE ALL WANT TO SEE PEACE ESTABLISHED"

Pointing out that defense spending in Europe and Canada increased by 20% last year, Rutte said, "At the same time, allies are working on what more can be done. In the past few weeks, Denmark and the UK have made significant announcements. Germany, France, and the Czech Republic have taken important steps. The Czech Republic made an announcement yesterday. I welcome these developments because our collective security is a shared responsibility for all of us. While allies are working to increase defense investments, many allies are also working on how they can contribute to a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine. We all want to see an end to Russia's attacks and a peace that guarantees Ukraine's sovereignty and lasting peace."

"CURRENTLY, THE U.S. AND UKRAINE ARE DISCUSSING HOW TO MOVE FORWARD AND HOW TO SOLVE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THEY FACE"

When asked about the U.S. suspending aid to Ukraine, Rutte said, "It is important for Ukraine to be in a strong position, especially when peace talks begin. Regardless of how this process unfolds, Ukraine needs to be strong in this process. Therefore, support must continue, and in this context, the U.S. and Ukraine are currently discussing how they will move forward on this issue and how to address some of the challenges they face."

DUDA CALLS FOR NATO'S DEFENSE BUDGET TARGET TO BE URGENTLY INCREASED TO 3%

Duda called on NATO member countries to urgently raise their defense spending to 3% of their gross domestic product. Duda requested that the issue be discussed at the NATO Summit to be held in The Hague, Netherlands, stating, "The situation is such that we cannot wait until 2030."