JAKARTA - Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Mark Rutte said on Monday there was "some disappointment" on the part of the United States (US) regarding Europe's response to recent developments in the Middle East, but stressed that the bloc's leaders had "heard the message" and increased their efforts.
Speaking to reporters at a meeting of the European Political Community in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, the NATO chief acknowledged concerns in Washington over European reactions to the ongoing armed conflict involving Israel, Iran and the US.
"As you know, as we know, there are some disappointments on the part of the US regarding the European reaction to what is happening now in the Middle East and the Israeli and US campaign against Iran," said the NATO Secretary-General as quoted by Anadolu (5/5).
However, he underlined that European countries responded by increasing logistical and military support in accordance with US expectations.
"What I hear from all my contacts with European leaders is that European leaders have received the message, they have heard the message from the US clearly," he said.
Furthermore, Secretary General Rutte noted that several European countries are now implementing bilateral agreements regarding the use of bases and logistical support, including Montenegro, Croatia, Romania, Portugal, Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
"I see more and more European countries putting in place logistical support and other important support, for example, mine-hunting vessels, mine-sweeping vessels near the operation area so that, for the next phase, they are ready," he added.
When asked about the possibility of reducing US troops in Germany, Rutte avoided specific details, but reiterated that the broader US concerns were not limited to one country, but emphasized the overall European response.
The statement came after the Pentagon announced a reduction in the presence of US forces in Germany, the largest American military center in Europe, amid rising tensions between Washington and its European allies over the Iran war and tariffs.
A Pentagon spokesman said about 5,000 troops would be withdrawn from Germany following orders from the US defense chief.
"The United States' announcement of a plan to reduce 5,000 troops from Germany at the time was surprising," said the head of the European Union's foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, on Monday, launching Al Arabiya from Reuters.
"The timing of this announcement is surprising. I think it shows that we really have to strengthen the European pillar in NATO, and we really have to do more," Kallas said, arriving at the European Political Community Summit in Armenia.
"American forces are not only in Europe to protect European interests, but also American interests," he added.
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