NATO leaders have gathered in Ankara, Turkey, for a two-day summit as the alliance seeks to strengthen unity amid growing global security challenges. The meeting comes against the backdrop of tensions involving the United States over Iran and Greenland, while support for Ukraine and increased defence spending remain high on the agenda.
The 32-member alliance is expected to discuss progress towards a commitment made last year for member states to invest five percent of their gross domestic product in defence and security over the next decade.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the summit will focus on three key priorities: increasing allied defence investment, strengthening transatlantic defence industrial production, and maintaining support for Ukraine.
“Here in Ankara, I expect nations to present clear, concrete, and credible plans to reach that 5% goal,” Rutte said.
He noted that early progress has been encouraging, adding, “Just one year into a ten-year project, we see that European Allies and Canada are already investing around 4% of their GDP in defence and security.”
The summit is expected to shape NATO’s strategic direction as members respond to evolving geopolitical threats and seek to reinforce collective security across the alliance.
VOC News
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