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PALM BEACH, FL — NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte held discussions with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in Florida on Friday, focusing on pressing global security concerns, according to NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah.
The meeting, which took place in Palm Beach, addressed challenges facing the NATO alliance amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Trump, who previously pushed European allies to increase defense spending and questioned the structure of NATO during his first presidency, has reignited debates over the alliance’s future following his recent electoral victory.
Rutte had earlier expressed a desire to meet Trump soon after the election to discuss the implications of closer ties between North Korea and Russia.
Trump’s return to the presidency has raised apprehensions across Europe regarding the potential withdrawal of crucial U.S. military aid to Ukraine. NATO allies view continued support for Kyiv as vital for both European and American security in countering Russian aggression.
Speaking at a European leaders’ meeting in Budapest, Rutte underscored the growing cooperation among nations such as North Korea, Iran, China, and Russia.
“These countries are increasingly aligning against Ukraine,” Rutte said, warning that such alliances could have global security implications. He highlighted concerns over Russia supplying advanced technology to North Korea, which poses threats to both the U.S. mainland and continental Europe.
“Russia needs to face consequences for its actions, but instead, it is strengthening its ties with regimes that jeopardize international stability,” he stated.
Ahead of the meeting, Rutte emphasized the importance of collective efforts to address these emerging threats. “I am eager to discuss with Donald Trump how NATO can respond to these challenges together,” he said.
