President Biden on Monday asserted the United States’ commitment to the 72-year-old North Atlantic Treaty Organization by calling it a “sacred obligation” as he kicked off a summit at the organization’s headquarters in Brussels.
“NATO is critically important,” Mr. Biden said after he was greeted by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. “Article 5, we take as a sacred obligation.”
Under Article 5, an attack on one of the 30 NATO members is considered an attack on all the members and requires a collective response.
“I just want all of Europe to know that the United States is here,” Mr. Biden continued. “I just want to thank you for your leadership.”
Mr. Biden also called NATO “essential for America.”
The president’s reaffirmation of the United States’ NATO commitment, marks a tone shift from former President Trump, who was, at times, combative with other leaders. Mr. Trump was critical of member countries’ military spending and other issues.
In addition to the NATO summit itself, Mr. Biden has scheduled meetings with individual leaders during his time in Brussels.