Nato chief Mark Rutte congratulated Donald Trump, who has claimed victory in the US presidential election, and said his return to power would help keep the alliance “strong”, AFP reports.

“His leadership will again be key to keeping our Alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO,” Rutte said on social media X.

“President-elect Trump demonstrated strong US leadership throughout his first term in office — a term that turned the tide on European defence spending, improved transatlantic burden sharing, and strengthened Alliance capabilities,” Rutte said.

“We face a growing number of challenges globally, from a more aggressive Russia, to terrorism, to strategic competition with China, as well the increasing alignment of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran,” he added.

“Working together through NATO helps to deter aggression, protect our collective security, and support our economies”.