The United States continues to support NATO and will remain an active member, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in Brussels ahead of a meeting of the alliance's foreign ministers.
"The United States is NATO; it is as active in NATO as it has ever been. And all this hysteria and speculation I have seen in the media is unfounded," Rubio said.
He said President Donald Trump supports the alliance but wants "a stronger and more capable NATO."
"We want to leave here with a clear understanding that we are on a realistic path to ensure that every member state commits and meets the 5 percent defense spending pledge. That includes the United States, which should increase that percentage. Because the threats are severe," the secretary of state stressed.
Rubio expressed confidence that through joint efforts, the alliance will be able to develop the capabilities necessary to protect the territory of each of its member states and deter any aggressor.
