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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, has said that trade tensions unleashed by US President Donald Trump will not harm the transatlantic alliance’s collective deterrence.

NATO chief Mark Rutte made this statement on Monday shortly after meeting with British Premier Keir Starmer in Brussels.

“There are always issues between allies — it is never always tranquil and happy-going.

“But I’m absolutely convinced that it will not get in the way of our collective determination to keep our deterrence strong,” he said.

Media Talk Africa reports that Trump has rocked some of Washington’s closest partners by announcing tariffs against fellow NATO member Canada, and threatening to do the same to the European Union.

The targeting of US allies has further undermined confidence in America’s commitment after Trump had already cast doubt on his willingness to help protect Europe.

Despite the trade threats, Trump has also menaced NATO member Denmark by vowing to take control of its territory, Greenland.

Asked whether Europe should be making plans to defend itself without US support, Rutte countered that it was a silly thought to imagine NATO without the United States playing a key role.

“The best thing the West can do is to stay united, and I know that the same thinking is still prevalent in the US, including in the White House,” he said.

Rutte sought to deflect Trump’s stated desire to get Greenland by suggesting NATO should play a greater role in bolstering defences in the contested Arctic region.