President Barack Obama on Monday called NATO “the linchpin” of U.S. security policy and a critical ally in the fight against terrorism, indirectly countering Republican Donald Trump’s recent claims that the 67-year-old alliance is obsolete ….

“NATO continues to be the linchpin, the cornerstone of our collective defense and U.S. security policy,” Obama said….

“This is obviously a tumultuous time in the world. Europe is a focal point of a lot of these stresses and strains in the global security system,” he said. “It is because of the strength of NATO … that I’m confident that despite these choppy waters we will be able to continue to underscore and underwrite the peace and security and prosperity that has been a hallmark of the trans-Atlantic relationship.”

[NATO Secretary General Jens] Stoltenberg described the alliance “as important as ever.”

“NATO has been able to adapt to a more dangerous world,” he said, noting the NATO had begun training Iraqi soldiers last week.

Image: Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and President Barack Obama, April 4, 2016 (photo: NATO)