Washington, April 9 -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte underscored on Thursday that American involvement remains vital for the alliance, even as European nations increase their military contributions.

Addressing the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, Rutte asserted that "American leadership is absolutely essential if freedom is to be the rule and not the exception."

The Secretary General highlighted a significant shift in the transatlantic relationship, noting that Europe is transitioning from a state of reliance to one of active partnership.

He remarked that "Europe is assuming a greater and fairer share of the task of providing for its conventional defence... From that, there will be no going back."

Attributing t...