The US remains firmly in NATO and supports strengthening the alliance, said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio upon his arrival at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels to participate in the two-day meeting of foreign ministers, BTA reports.
"We want NATO to be stronger, more vibrant and more capable", Rubio stressed. He described as "unjustified hysteria" media speculation about a possible US withdrawal from the alliance.
Rubio insisted that wealthy countries must increase their contribution to collective defense. "At home, we also have needs, but we prioritize security and expect the same from our partners," he said.
According to him, the events of recent years, including the war in Europe, show that having strong defense forces is key to containing threats. According to him, every NATO member state, including the United States, must increase its defense spending to 5% of GDP.
Rubio emphasized that President Donald Trump insisted on increasing military spending in his first term and maintains this position now. "President Trump is not against NATO," he was categorical.
He specified that the 5% of GDP goal would not be achieved immediately, but emphasized the need for the alliance to be prepared for any threats. "We must be able to defend our territory," the US Secretary of State concluded.