Foreign ministers from European nations with close ties to the U.S. have responded to Vice President Kamala Harris' assertion that world leaders are 'laughing' at former President Trump, with many dismissing the claim.
At the United Nations High-Level Week, foreign ministers emphasized their neutrality in the U.S. election, stating they will collaborate with whoever wins. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani highlighted the strong bond between Italy and the U.S., expressing readiness to work with Trump if he is re-elected.
Ministers from Lithuania and the Czech Republic refrained from expressing preferences in the election, emphasizing the importance of letting American citizens decide. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky commended Trump's stance on defense spending, urging Europe to continue prioritizing this in the face of Russian aggression.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis stressed the enduring relationship between Europe and the U.S., underscoring the significance of defense spending regardless of the election outcome.
Under Trump's administration, NATO members significantly increased defense spending, with 23 out of 32 countries meeting the 2% GDP target. This bolstered NATO's ability to support Ukraine and potentially deter Russian aggression.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó expressed high expectations for a potential second Trump administration, citing Trump's honesty and patriotic stance. Szijjártó highlighted the fear, rather than laughter, that Trump evoked among world leaders.
Szijjártó's sentiments were echoed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who maintained a close relationship with Trump. Orbán's decision to meet with Trump in Florida over attending a NATO summit in Washington exemplified their strong ties.
Szijjártó emphasized the stability under Trump's presidency and expressed concerns over the global security situation post-Trump. He believed a re-election of Trump could bring dynamism and peace to international relations.
