European Union leaders downplayed US President Donald Trump's scepticism about unity among NATO members a day after they agreed to boost defence spending amid faltering US support.
On Thursday, after European leaders pledged hundreds of billions of euros for security, Mr Trump expressed doubt, saying he was “not confident” the military alliance would defend the United States if attacked.
“We are loyal and reliable allies,” French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday evening, emphasizing “respect and friendship” for American leaders and adding that France “has the right to expect the same treatment.”
Latvian Ambassador to NATO Maris Riekstins noted that the military alliance remains a key platform for resolving security issues between continents.
He stressed his country's commitment to defence spending, which shares a nearly 300-kilometre (186-mile) border with Russia.
Last month, the Baltic republic announced that spending would be increased to 4% of GDP next year, with a target of 5%.
Mr Trump's repeated warnings that he could force European allies to confront the Russian threat on their own have prompted countries that have long been unable to boost their defence budgets to look for ways to improve their security and support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
EU leaders agreed on Thursday to ease budget constraints so that interested states can increase their military spending.
Following emergency talks in Brussels, Mr Trump again suggested that the United States might abandon its NATO commitments if member countries fail to meet the alliance's defence spending targets.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
