US VP calls on NATO members to share burden for common defence

BRUSSELS, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- US Vice-President Mike Pence reiterated Monday commitment of the Trump administration in support of NATO, but called on Alliance members to share their responsibility and increase defence spending.
"It is my privilege here at the NATO headquarters to express strong support of President Trump and the United States of America for NATO and our transatlantic alliance. The United States has been a proud and faithful member of NATO since its founding in 1949," he told a news conference after meeting NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
He called on NATO to continue on its new path of evolution and expanding its mission to be more effective in counter terrorism, and stressed that "NATO's leadership is also necessary in fighting radical Islamic terrorism." Pence said the United States provides more than 70 percent of the cost of NATO today, and added that "the time has come for our NATO allies to step forward.
"The American people are frustrated that as our country continues to make investments in Europe's security (as) we see European countries falling behind. The patience of the American people will not endure for ever," he warned.
On his part, Stoltenberg stressed the partnership between Europe and North America, embodied in the NATO Alliance, remains vital today.
Speaking at the joint press conference, he underlined the deployment of American troops to Europe as a key US contribution to Europeآ’s security.
Stoltenberg underlined that burden sharing has been his top priority since he took office and it is essential Allies continue to increase their efforts to spend two percent of GDP on defence.
"Europeans cannot ask the United States to commit to Europeآ’s defence if they are not willing to commit more themselves. And they are committing more," he said.
The NATO chief said he looked forward to welcoming President Trump to Brussels in May for the NATO Summit. (end) nk.bs