In a significant diplomatic moment, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel expressed confidence in NATO’s new Secretary-General Mark Rutte, highlighting his ability to engage with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. This statement comes as NATO foreign ministers convene in Brussels to discuss pressing issues, including defense spending and support for Ukraine.
Rutte’s Role in NATO
Mark Rutte, who previously served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, has been described as a “Trump whisperer” due to his adeptness in navigating the complexities of U.S. politics. His recent visit to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump underscores his proactive approach to fostering dialogue between NATO and the U.S.
Rangel emphasized that rather than merely discussing Trump, NATO allies should engage directly with him to address concerns about defense spending and alliance commitments.
Defense Spending Discussions
The issue of defense spending is a central topic at the NATO ministerial meeting. Trump has long criticized NATO allies for not contributing enough to their defense budgets, leading to calls for an increase in the spending target from 2% to 3% of GDP.
The upcoming discussions will also include support for Ukraine, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha set to brief NATO ministers. Additionally, Jordan’s King Abdullah II will address issues related to the Middle East, further emphasizing the global implications of NATO’s strategic decisions.
