Rutte Says NATO Moving From Unhealthy Dependence on US (2)

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said NATO was moving from an “unhealthy co-dependence” between Europe and the US and was becoming a “transatlantic alliance grounded in true partnership,” after President Donald Trump criticized the bloc over the Iran war.

Rutte made the comments Thursday in an address at the Reagan Institute in Washington, on a visit designed to soothe tensions with the Trump administration after NATO allies initially resisted US entreaties to help out with the war against Iran and the reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

“I have developed an unflinching appreciation for the value of American leadership,” Rutte said. ...