Wadephul: NATO is of enormous importance
US President Trump openly questions US membership of NATO. This is causing concern, including in Berlin. Foreign Minister Wadephul wants to continue the alliance’s “success story”.
Berlin (dpa) – Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has expressed concern in light of new statements by US President Donald Trump about a possible US withdrawal from NATO. “Such statements are of course a cause for concern,” Wadephul said. At the same time, he expressed confidence that such a step by the Americans could be averted: “I believe that our clear commitment and our resolute support for the alliance will convince the US to continue this success story together.”
US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently raised doubts as to whether the US should remain in NATO. Trump is angered that various NATO members are not supporting the war being waged by the US and Israel against Iran.
Wadephul said NATO was “of enormous importance to the security of the Federal Republic of Germany, and indeed that of all allies”, adding that the alliance was stronger than ever before. “With Sweden and Finland, we now have two additional members. And we Europeans have committed to spending five per cent of our economic output on defence. We should not call any of this into question, but build on our success.”
