Rubio Discusses Trump’s Immediate Foreign Policy Priorities with NATO Secretary General

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to outline President Donald Trump’s immediate foreign policy priorities, according to a readout from spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

The call took place ahead of President Trump’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, where he called on NATO allies to increase their defense spending to five percent of their GDP.

“As we restore common sense in America, we’re moving quickly to bring back strength, peace, and stability abroad,” Trump said in his speech from the White House. He added, “I’m also going to ask all NATO nations to increase defense spending to five percent of GDP, which is what it should have been years ago. It was only at two percent, and most nations didn’t pay until I came along. I insisted that they pay, and they did because the United States was really paying the difference at that time.”

During his conversation with Rutte, Rubio “reinforced the U.S. commitment to NATO and the continued importance of the Alliance to international security.” The two leaders also discussed the need for capable defense allies and real burden-sharing.

They addressed the importance of ending Russia’s war against Ukraine and finding a peaceful solution, and they agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.

Rutte described the call as “good” in a post on X, writing, “Great to have you on board!” He added, “Look forward to welcoming you to #NATO and working together on Ukraine, Russia, and China. Ramping up defense spending in Europe and boosting transatlantic defense production makes us all stronger.”

In addition, Rubio spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday. The two discussed Turkey’s vital role as a NATO ally and the U.S.-Turkey relationship. They also addressed the need for an inclusive transition in Syria to ensure the country doesn’t become a breeding ground for international terrorism and to prevent foreign actors from exploiting Syria’s transition for their own goals.

Rubio also expressed his condolences for the lives lost and those injured in a tragic hotel fire in Bolu, Turkey.