NATO chief Rutte set for critical talks with Trump in Florida
Mark Rutte, the NATO Secretary General, travelled to Florida to meet with the US President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence. This information was reported by the Dutch newspaper "De Telegraaf." Rutte used a Dutch government plane for his journey as NATO does not maintain its own aircraft.
According to "De Telegraaf," Rutte's discussions with Trump are anticipated to concentrate on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and defence expenditure. Rutte arrived in Florida on Thursday, as confirmed by diplomatic sources within NATO cited by the German agency dpa.
The spokesperson for the NATO chief did not confirm the planned meeting with Trump. However, should it occur, it would be Rutte's first meeting with an American politician since assuming the position of NATO Secretary General in October.
Rutte is known as a composed negotiator. In 2018, he earned the nickname "Trump whisperer" after successfully defusing a tense atmosphere during a NATO meeting in Brussels when Trump criticised allies for insufficient defence spending.
Rutte also works well with the outgoing US President Joe Biden, who praised his commitment and negotiation skills. The meeting with Trump could be crucial for future relations between NATO and the USA.
