German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Wednesday urged NATO allies to take decisive steps to strengthen their militaries in response to growing uncertainty in relations with the United States.
"Sitting in front of the White House or any other building in the world like the rabbit in front of the snake would not make us stronger. It makes us weaker," Pistorius said at the Canadian defence and security trade show CANSEC.
He said the US had been a reliable partner in recent decades, but noted that the current administration in Washington was changing some things to suit its own agenda. He declined to comment further on this.
"We need to focus less on what others are doing and to focus more on what we can do," Pistorius said, calling in particular for allies to fulfil their commitments to NATO.
Despite unpredictable developments in relations with the US, the minister said military and political cooperation remains strong.
Pistorius is visiting Canada to advance a strategic partnership with the NATO ally and promote defence cooperation, including a potential major submarine deal.
During his trip, he met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Defence Minister David McGuinty in Ottawa.
