King Charles III of Great Britain stressed in a speech to the US Congress the importance of preserving NATO amid criticism of the alliance by US President Donald Trump.
„From the depths of the Atlantic to the melting ice caps of the Arctic, the dedication and expertise of the armed forces of the United States and our allies are at the heart of NATO, where nations are committed to defending each other, protecting their citizens and interests, and ensuring the security of North Americans and Europeans from our common adversaries. "Our defence, intelligence and security cooperation are inextricably linked by a relationship measured not in years but in decades," the monarch said.
He stressed the need for the UK to increase defence spending, as Trump has called for. "The UK recognises that the threats we face require a transformation of British defence. That is why, to prepare for the future, our country is committing to the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War," Charles III said. He also called for help for Ukraine to achieve a "genuinely just and lasting peace."
Charles III's comments came amid Trump's recent criticism of NATO and Britain's military might. The US leader's displeasure stems from the refusal of Washington's European allies, including Britain, to support the US war on Iran. Since then, Trump has repeatedly expressed doubts about the wisdom of NATO membership.