ISTANBUL

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Wednesday congratulated Republican nominee Donald Trump, who has claimed victory in the US presidential election, underscoring his leadership role in maintaining the strength of the transatlantic alliance.

"I just congratulated @realDonaldTrump on his election as President of the United States. 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 X.

Trump is currently ahead of Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris in the race to reach 270 Electoral College votes, having racked up 267, according to The Associated Press.

Fox News has already declared him the victor.

The win would make Trump only the second US president to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland, who served two terms in the late 1800s.