politics
NATO Chief Travels to Washington to Address Alliance Tensions Before July Summit
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will visit Washington next week to discuss tensions with the United States ahead of the alliance's annual summit. The trip comes after months of friction over European support during the U.S. conflict with Iran and efforts to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Jun 17, 11:08 AM·1m read1 source
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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will travel to Washington next week to address strains in transatlantic relations ahead of the alliance's July summit in Ankara. European-led efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz following a U.S.-Iran agreement are expected to feature in the discussions. Rutte described the restoration of free passage as a massive step forward.
23-25 June visit follows months of friction after some NATO countries initially refused access to bases for U.S. operations linked to the Iran conflict. Germany granted access to Ramstein Air Base, which was used to coordinate strikes.
Most NATO allies have committed to a French- and British-led operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with several countries already deploying frigates and minesweepers. The summit will also address shifting greater security responsibility to Europe and Canada.
Allies will report progress toward spending 5% of GDP on defence. Rutte said allies need more forces and a stronger industrial base, calling for steady increases in defence investment.
