US Urges Stronger Defence Ties with Turkey Within NATO

Washington - The United States should take steps to strengthen its defence relationship with Turkey, the US ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, said on Wednesday. “Turkey is a highly capable ally. They are deeply committed to the NATO alliance and to their own security and that of their allies,” Whitaker told Fox News. “We need to continue to strengthen that relationship,” he added. The ambassador reiterated his statement by saying that all other NATO members should follow Ankara’s lead in terms of military industrial output. “We have to make sure everyone is moving quickly. President Donald Trump knows exactly how to execute this strategy. These engines are critical to building and strengthening the alliance in the interest of the United States,” Whitaker added. The NATO summit will be held in Ankara on 7-8 July. Previously, on 23 June, Turkish authorities stated that the summit’s agenda would include further support for Ukraine, strengthening the alliance’s defence capabilities, the situation in the Middle East, and cooperation in the defence industry. For the first time, the NATO Defence Industry Forum will be held as part of the summit, involving member states and leading industry representatives.