Turkey is calling on NATO allies to improve relations with Donald Trump at the July summit in Ankara. The alliance should prepare for a weaker US interest.
Turkey challenges NATO
- Turkey calls on NATO allies to prepare for a less engaged United States.
- Ankara expects the participation of Donald Trump at the July NATO summit in Ankara.
- Donald Trump has long criticized the functioning of NATO and threatens to withdraw the United States.
Turkey on Monday urged North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies to use the July summit in Ankara to improve relations with US President Donald Trump and prepare for a possible reduction in the United States’ involvement in the alliance. This is reported by TASR based on a Reuters report.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan went on to say that Ankara expects Trump to attend the July 7-8 summit based on his “personal respect” for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Trump’s criticism of NATO
Trump has long criticized the functioning of NATO and recently threatened the withdrawal of the United States over the refusal of European members to participate in an operation to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. His previous plans to acquire Greenland also increased the tension in relations with the Allies.
Fidan emphasized that member states are already taking Trump’s statements seriously and increasing their defense spending. According to sources from the White House, the president is also considering the withdrawal of some American troops from Europe.
