Stoltenberg warns US against isolationism

BRUSSELS: Outgoing NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg will caution the United States against “isolationism” in his final speech on Thursday, as Donald Trump vies to return to the White House.

“We have heard voices on both sides of the Atlantic calling for America and Europe to part ways,” he will say, according to excerpts of his speech seen by AFP.

“Focusing on short-sighted national interests over long-term cooperation will not serve us well. Isolationism will not keep anyone safe.”

The parting warning comes as Washington’s allies wait to see if former president Trump will win the US presidential election in November. They fear he would loosen Washington’s commitment to NATO.

Trump has said the United States could stop protecting NATO members that do not spend enough on defence.

Stoltenberg is set to hand over the reins at the Western military alliance to former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte on October 1 after a decade at the helm.

As Moscow’s war on Ukraine grinds on through its third year, Stoltenberg will insist that NATO allies need to ensure Kyiv can negotiate “from a position of strength” when the time comes to talk.

“Any future peace deal must be backed by strong and sustained military support. Not just pieces of paper.”

Stoltenberg will argue that at some point the alliance needs to return to dialogue with Moscow on issues such as arms control.

“We have to speak to our neighbours. However difficult it might be. But dialogue only works when it is backed by strong defences.”