
Marco Rubio tells NATO that US committed to alliance; says it must be ‘stronger’
Marco Rubio has assured NATO allies that Washington is committed to the alliance, despite concerns raised by President Donald Trump’s earlier remarks. Speaking at a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Rubio said that the United States seeks a stronger and more capable NATO.
Rubio, as per the reports, said that the US is as active in NATO as it has ever been. He dismissed alleged hysteria and hyperbole in the media over Trump’s stance on the alliance. Rubio said that Trump has made it clear that the US supports NATO and they will remain a part of the organisation.
However, Rubio reiterated Trump’s call for NATO allies to shoulder more responsibility. He, as per the Euro News report, urged European nations and Canada to increase their defence spending to five per cent of GDP. This reportedly is double of the current two per cent target which several nations including Belgium, Italy, and Spain fail to meet.
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Pressure mounts for higher defence spending
As per the report, Rubio clarified that the US expected a firm commitment from the allies to increase investment in military and warned that global security threats were on the rise.
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Speaking at the meeting, he said that he understands domestic politics make it difficult, but a full-scale war in Europe is a reminder that hard power is still necessary as a deterrent. His comment referenced Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
According to the reports, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged the need for increased defence spending. He stated that the European members and Canada must contribute north of three per cent of their GDP to defence. However, NATO is still