US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that US-European relations could be at risk if their shared values are lost, DPA reported.
Rubio made the remarks in response to a question about the new US national security strategy, in which the US administration predicts, among other things, an alleged loss of democracy and freedom of expression on the Old Continent.
The basis of relations with Europe is "the fact that we have a common culture, a civilization, a shared experience and shared values and principles on issues like human rights, freedom, democracy", Rubio said at a press conference.
"If that is destroyed because for some reason it is no longer a priority, I think that would put pressure on and threaten the alliance in long term and in a broader context," the US Secretary of State added.
"Then you will have just a pure and simple defense agreement ... That is all you will have," he stressed.
In its new national security strategy, the administration of US President Donald Trump has described the political landscape in the European Union as a threat to American interests, criticizing alleged deficits in democratic values and restrictions on freedom of expression, DPA notes.