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NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said allies would stand alongside the United States if it were attacked, addressing comments by U.S. President Donald Trump questioning European support.
Rutte spoke to reporters after holding a bilateral meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Rutte said he consistently emphasizes to Europeans that the United States remains committed to NATO, adding that the main concern had been Europe’s lower defense spending compared with the U.S., an issue he said was resolved at the Hague summit.
Responding to Trump’s remarks expressing doubt that Europe would come to the U.S.’ aid if attacked, Rutte said NATO allies had already demonstrated their commitment in past operations.
Rutte said NATO countries responded in support of the United States during the mission in Afghanistan, noting that soldiers from other alliance members, including the Netherlands and Denmark, were killed alongside American troops.
“If the United States is attacked, you can be absolutely certain that your allies will stand with you,” Rutte said.
He added that NATO solidarity had been proven through shared sacrifices made by member states during previous operations.
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