Nato braces for first talks with Trump’s defence chief
BRUSSELS: Nato allies meet new US Defence Secretary James Mattis for the first time in Brussels Wednesday, seeking reassurance over President Donald Trump’s commitment but bracing for military spending demands.
Pentagon head Mattis has voiced support for the transatlantic alliance, in contrast with the sceptical Trump, and has been tougher on Russia than his boss, whose views worry Nato’s eastern European member states in particular.
But the retired marine general is still set to push the rest of the 28-nation group to meet their increased military spending pledges, despite many in Europe facing tough financial situations.
In a sign that the Trump administration’s pressure on the issue is bearing fruit, Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg said on the eve of the meeting that boosting spending was a top priority.
“The most important thing is that we increase defence spending and that is exactly what we are doing,” Stoltenberg told reporters at alliance headquarters.
The former Norwegian prime minister said the alliance in 2015 had stopped the military budget cuts and last year actually increased spending by 3.8 per cent, or US$ 10 billion, but still needs to do more.
Washington has long insisted that Nato members should spend two per cent of their GDP on defence, a goal that few meet despite agreeing on it at a summit in Wales in 2014.
On the flight to Brussels for the two- day meeting, Mattis on Tuesday praised the alliance for its enduring help for the United States in Afghanistan.
“This has been the most successful alliance in military history,” he said.
He added that the resignation of Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Flynn, who quit over behind-the- scenes contacts with Russia, would have “no impact” on America’s message to Nato partners.
Nato leaders are expected to meet with Trump for the first time at a summit in Brussels on May 25.
Stoltenberg appeared confident that Trump remains as committed to Nato as his predecessors. — AFP