NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with US President-elect Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, to discuss pressing global security issues. The meeting, which took place on November 22, was not publicly announced beforehand, according to NATO spokeswoman Farah Dakhlallah. Key topics included the threat posed by the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea, as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Rutte emphasized the importance of American support in light of North Korea's collaboration with Russia, which he described as a direct threat to US territory. He also expressed concerns over the implications of a potential rapprochement among Russia, North Korea, Iran, and China, which could destabilize not only Europe but also the Indo-Pacific region and North America.
The meeting comes amid worries among NATO allies regarding Trump's second term, particularly his past statements questioning the commitment of the US to NATO and his demands for increased defense spending from member states. Rutte reassured that NATO represents a collective strength that promotes US interests and ensures security.
