BRUSSELS, APR 3 (AFP/APP/DNA): Rattled US allies will press Secretary of State Marco Rubio Thursday to lay out Washington’s plans for NATO and Ukraine, but his first visit to the alliance risks being overshadowed by a growing trade war.
President Donald Trump has rocked the foundations of Western security by casting doubt on NATO’s collective defence vow, reaching out to Europe’s nemesis Russia, and threatening the territory of Canada and Denmark.
In a further stoking of transatlantic tensions on Wednesday, the mercurial leader announced tariffs that will buffet allies and look set to draw retaliation.
“I know that there have been allies, for example, on this side of the pond being worried about the long-term commitment of the US to NATO,” alliance head Mark Rutte said.
“But I’m absolutely convinced this alliance is there to stay with the US. Their commitment is absolutely clear.”
NATO’s 31 other members will be desperate to separate the trade row from their two days of talks on the alliance’s future and the war in Ukraine, whose foreign minister will also attend.
Ahead of a June summit in The Hague, they’re looking for details from Rubio on Trump’s demands for allies to hike defence spending, warnings the United States could pull back forces from Europe, and intentions for Russia and Ukraine.
: Rattled US allies will press Secretary of State Marco Rubio Thursday to lay out Washington's plans for NATO and){kind=link}