US President Donald Trump has hit out at NATO members he insists do not meet spending targets, singling out Berlin.
"Germany honestly is not paying their fair share," Trump said, sitting next to NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg ahead of a gathering of foreign ministers marking the organisation's 70th anniversary in Washington on Tuesday.
"I have great respect for (Chancellor) Angela (Merkel) and I have great respect for the country," Trump said, mentioning his father came from Germany.
"I have a great feeling for Germany, but they are not paying what they are supposed to be paying."
Trump said the US is protecting Europe but "we are protecting countries that have taken advantage of the United States," he said, also mentioning trade.
"The US pays for a disproportionate share of NATO," Trump said. "We just want fairness."
Meanwhile, this week's meeting of foreign ministers will discuss all elements of the threat posed by Russia and seek to agree on a package of measures to bolster the military alliance's presence in the Black Sea, a senior US official has said.
"The focus is on the defence and deterrence posture of the alliance in the Black Sea region," said the official on Tuesday, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity.
The official said NATO ally Turkey remained an important partner to the United States, but emphasised that its planned purchases of S-400 missile systems from Russia was a concern.
"Our relationship is not being defined by the single issue of the S-400 but the S-400 is a deeply problematic issue for the United States," the official added.
