Ankara: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized on Wednesday that former US President Donald Trump played a crucial role in equalizing defense spending between Europe and the United States, advocating for a stronger alliance. "President Trump has been able to finally get done what, since Eisenhower, American presidents tried to do, which was to equalize defense spending between Europe and the United States," Rutte stated during his remarks ahead of the Ankara summit, where global leaders convened.
According to Anadolu Agency, Rutte pointed out that beyond Trump's efforts, the perceived Russian threat also motivated Europe to match US defense spending levels. He highlighted the necessity for a more robust Europe within the alliance, referencing "NATO 3.0." "The last summit in The Hague was all about planning and targeting; it was about the money, it was about industry, it was about, of course, continuing our support for Ukraine. This summit, as I always said, is about implementation, getting it done," Rutte added.
The NATO chief described the inaugural day of the summit as a success, with several new contracts and commitments contributing to the year's focus on implementation. He reiterated the alliance's need to bolster its defenses against potential attacks and urged for increased defense industrial output. Rutte affirmed the alliance's target to achieve last year's goal of investing 5% of GDP in defense and related expenditures by 2035.
"In one year, Canada and Europe are getting to 4%, and that means significant increases in core defense spending, also increases, of course, in defense-related spending," he mentioned. Furthermore, Rutte emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine.
"My message is that this alliance of 1 billion people living in Europe, living in Canada, living in the United States, that this alliance will defend every inch of our territory that you cannot win from NATO. We are defensive. We will never attack anyone. We will only defend our way of life, our democracies, our territory. So don't fool with us, don't play with us," Rutte conveyed when asked if he had a message for Russia.
Addressing US-Iran tensions, Rutte noted the expectation that allies would discuss Iran and reaffirm that Iran should never acquire nuclear capabilities, highlighting the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. In response to inquiries about recent US strikes on Iran, Rutte deemed them "absolutely necessary."
"When you have a ceasefire and Iran is basically violating the ceasefire, we see what happened yesterday with ships being attacked. I think it is totally crucial that the US forcefully react," he stated. Rutte emphasized that allies should prevent China and Russia from accessing the Arctic and affirmed a positive process regarding Denmark and Greenland after Trump's renewed interest in the latter.
When questioned about the US's commitment to NATO amid Trump's Greenland takeover bid and troop withdrawals from Europe, Rutte assured that the commitment remains strong. "So, the commitment is there, no doubt. Also, because NATO is there, it's in the US interest to prevent, for example, the submarines of Russia to end up on the shores of the United States, so the US to stay safe," he explained.
Rutte also expressed gratitude to Trkiye for hosting the summit, stating, "It is really appreciated. It is an important summit. You are gracious hosts. Thank you so much."