NATO sets date for Rutte–Trump meeting amid rising global tensions
Photo: Donald Trump and Mark Rutte (Getty Images)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will visit Washington next week, where he is set to meet with US President Donald Trump, according to the Alliance's official website.
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According to the announcement, Rutte's visit to Washington will take place from April 8 to 12. On the first day, he is expected to meet with the US leader and members of his team.
"On 8 April, the Secretary General will meet with the President of the United States, Mr. Donald J. Trump, as well as with the Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio, and the Secretary of War, Mr. Pete Hegseth," the statement said.
The following day, April 9, Rutte will deliver a speech and take part in a discussion organized by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Institute.
From April 10 to 12, the Secretary General will participate in the Bilderberg Meeting.
Rift between the US and NATO
The United States and Israel have been carrying out strikes on Iran for over a month. Trump has said the war could end within weeks, although negotiations, according to several media reports, appear to have reached a deadlock.
Since the early stages of the conflict, Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world's oil supply passes. Against this backdrop and amid other challenges, Trump has repeatedly called on NATO countries to join the war, but they have refused.
As a result, Trump recently said that the United States could withdraw from NATO. According to CNN, the Alliance does not feel excessive concern over such statements, while many Republicans have publicly said that Trump's threats undermine national interests.
