Brussels [Belgium], April 19: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has rejected speculation that the US is ending its membership in the NATO alliance.
"I don't see the US leaving NATO," Rutte said in an interview with the Sunday edition of Germany's Die Welt newspaper.
The NATO chief said he also does not question contnued US nuclear protection of Europe.
"The American nuclear umbrella is the ultimate guarantor of security here in Europe. And I am convinced that it will remain so," Rutte said.
What has Trump said about leaving NATO?
US President Donald Trump's recent lashings at NATO have prompted fears that Washington could withdraw from the 32-member transatlantic alliance.
Asked if he would reconsider the US' membership after the Iran war, Trump told Britain's The Telegraph: "Oh yes, I would say [it's] beyond reconsideration. I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin knows that too, by the way."
A US president needs the approval of a two-thirds Senate majority to pull the US out of NATO - a scenario considered highly unlikely.
Rutte says he understands Trump's frustration with NATO
"President Trump is clearly disappointed with some NATO members," Rutte told Die Welt, adding that "I understand his frustration."
The remarks echoed what Rutte had said after his meeting with Trump at the White House last week, following the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran.
"He is clearly disappointed with many NATO allies, and I can see his point," Rutte told US broadcaster CNN.
"This was a very frank, very open discussion, but also a discussion between two good friends," added Rutte, who has been dubbed the "Trump whisperer."
In a post on Truth Social after the meeting, Trump wrote in ​capitalized letters that "NATO wasn't there when we needed them, and they won't be there if we need them again."
Rutte calls for stronger defense industry in Europe
Rutte told Die Welt that during the meeting with Trump on April 8, he was also able to discuss the advantages that Washington would gain from the alliance.
"Europe wants to take on a larger role in NATO. That's good news. It's a development from an unhealthy dependency to a transatlantic alliance based on true partnership," Rutte said.
The NATO chief noted that the Europeans and Canadians are already noticeably stepping up their efforts. "Germany is setting an example for many allies in this regard."
Rutte added that he is convinced that the transatlantic alliance will become stronger if this trend continues. "And a stronger NATO means a safer world for all of us."
Source: Times of Oman
