Solberg: “U.S. Committed to NATO”

Norway's Prime Minister Erna SolbergBrussel, Belgium. Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg.Photo: Torbjørn Kjosvold / Forsvaret / NTB scanpix

Wednesday, July 11th, leaders of the NATO nations met in Brussels, Belgium for a closed-door summit. Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H) attended the high-level talks and gave indication afterwards that there was no hint of ill-will among the assembled nations.

 

Speaking with Norwegian Broadcasting after the summit conclusion, Prime Minister Solberg was asked of her opinion of the American president’s NATO statements.

BRIEF & CLEAR
Responding to the question, Minister Solberg said that U.S. President Donald Trump’s message to the NATO summit members was brief & clear, and that he understands the importance of a strong NATO alliance.

“President Trump’s message was actually very short. His talking points were a synopsis of what the American president said aloud before the summit,” said Minister Solberg.

INCREASE SPENDING
Norway’s prime minister also related that President Trump said nothing that could undermine the US’s commitment to NATO.

“He’s been clear about what has been the essence of his previous statements. He wants NATO to increase defense spending allotments. But he’s also given a clear confirmation that he believes that NATO is an important organization and that he’s strongly committed to Europe.” –

CRITICAL FOR NORWAY
“The United States clearly has no plan to withdraw from NATO. The reverse is true.
What we’ve seen in recent years is actually an increased American presence within the European theater.” –

“A critical element for Norway is NATO’s new maritime strategy, its new command structure, and that NATO has become much stronger during the last four years,” concluded Minister Solberg.

A NATO summit is the periodic gathering of Heads of State & Government of NATO member countries to evaluate and provide strategic direction for Alliance activities.

NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was established in 1949.

 

© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today