NATO Secretary-General Rutte heads to US despite limited influence

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is travelling to the United States for a meeting with President Donald Trump, despite having limited influence and no concrete proposals.

Rutte is aware of NATO’s restricted role in the Middle East and the lack of specific demands from Washington, the Politico reports.

“It is obvious that he can offer nothing from NATO in Iran, since it falls out of its area of responsibility. I guess he will stress again how European allies and Canada assume more of the burden for the collective security in Europe every passing day,” said one senior NATO diplomat.

European diplomats have also commented wryly on Rutte’s characterisation of Trump as a “daddy.”

Rutte’s U.S. visit, scheduled from April 8 to 12, will include meetings with Trump and participation in a Bilderberg Club session.

The trip comes amid reports that Trump intends to review all aspects of US NATO membership following the alliance’s refusal to join a war with Iran.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov