BERLIN, June 25 (ANI) — The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom met in Berlin on Wednesday against the backdrop of evolving global security challenges, reaffirming their commitment to Euro-Atlantic security and support for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a statement from the U.K. Prime Minister’s Office, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte joined the meeting virtually from Washington.
The leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the transatlantic alliance, recognizing the United States’ continued central role in NATO. They also agreed to work collectively toward a successful NATO Summit in Ankara, hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 7-8.
They expressed their determination to build a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO framework and pledged to pursue closer cooperation on defense industrial initiatives.
The leaders agreed to advance cooperation across five key areas.
On European leadership and burden sharing, they committed to strengthening Europe’s role within NATO by assuming greater responsibility for transatlantic security while coordinating closely with the United States. They welcomed progress made by allies in implementing the Hague Defence Investment Pledge and agreed to jointly develop ways to enhance European contributions to NATO capabilities.
Regarding collective security, the leaders agreed to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense posture in response to what they described as the primary threat posed by Russia and the continuing threat of terrorism to Euro-Atlantic security. They reaffirmed their commitment to act together in defense of the alliance should security be threatened.
On defense industrial cooperation, the leaders emphasized expanding collaboration to improve NATO’s military capabilities, readiness, and resilience. Priority areas include air defense, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, long-range strike capabilities, and greater European joint development and procurement. They also stressed the importance of leveraging emerging technologies and expanding financial mechanisms to accelerate investment and close critical capability gaps.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression through continued military assistance, sanctions, economic pressure on Russia, and support for Ukraine’s energy resilience.
They backed additional military assistance commitments expected at the upcoming NATO Summit and supported expanded cooperation through NATO initiatives, including the Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) and the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU).
Reiterating their support for closer NATO-Ukraine ties, the leaders said Ukraine plays a vital role in Euro-Atlantic security. They also endorsed efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace through direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, with active participation from both the United States and Europe.
On Iran, the leaders welcomed the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, describing it as an opportunity to restore regional stability and strengthen the global economy. They expressed support for implementing the agreement and emphasized that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.
The leaders also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. They confirmed their commitment to participate in the proposed U.K.-France-led Multinational Military Mission, subject to conditions on the ground and their respective constitutional requirements.
According to the statement, the mission could help reassure the global shipping industry and support the reopening of the Strait through activities including verification of demining operations. (ANI)
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