NATO Secretary General meets with Donald Trump

On November 23, Reuters reported that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited the United States to meet with US President-elect Donald Trump.

According to NATO spokeswoman Farah Dakhlallah, the two leaders discussed many global security issues facing the military alliance.

According to a statement by spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah, the meeting took place on November 22 in the city of Palm Beach.

US President-elect Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (right). (Photo: Reuters)

According to NATO's announcement, Secretary General Rutte also met with Congressman Mike Waltz, a candidate for White House National Security Advisor, and several officials nominated by Mr. Trump for the new cabinet.

Earlier, two days after Mr. Trump won the election on November 5, Mr. Rutte said he wanted to meet the US President-elect and discuss the threat from Russia.

Mr. Trump’s victory has worried many European leaders. During his first term in the White House, Mr. Trump repeatedly criticized and pressured European allies to increase their defense budgets to meet the target of at least 2% of GDP.

They also worry that Mr Trump could cut off US military aid to Ukraine when he returns to the White House. NATO allies say supporting Ukraine against Russia is an important way to ensure the security of both the US and Europe.

During his first term as US President, Mr. Trump has pushed Europe to increase defense spending and questioned the fairness of NATO.

Last week, Mr. Trump nominated Mr. Matthew Whitaker, who is said to have no foreign policy experience, to be the US Ambassador to NATO.

Political analysts say Secretary General Rutte could be the key to keeping NATO afloat in Trump's next term, as the former Dutch prime minister is seen as smart and a political opportunist.

Mr. Rutte maintained a good relationship with Mr. Trump in previous meetings and was highly appreciated by the US President-elect.

Tra Khanh (Source: Reuters)

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/tong-thu-ky-nato-hoi-dam-voi-ong-donald-trump-ar909219.html