NATO Chief Visits Washington, Pledges To Boost In Alliance Defense Spending

Washington D.C./14.06.23/Turan:   NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday met with President Biden in the Oval Office to discuss the war in Ukraine and the upcoming summit in Lithuania, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

"The leaders discussed the implications of Russia’s war on Ukraine for transatlantic security and the importance of continuing to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense," the White House said in a readout of the meeting. "They also discussed the need for Allies to build on the 2014 Wales Summit defense investment pledge."

Biden touted the strength of the NATO alliance in the wake of Putin's war and said members were working toward increased spending goals. Stoltenberg said he expected alliance members to meet a target goal of spending at least 2 percent of GDP, or the economic output of a nation, on defense.

Biden also conveyed that he is looking forward to hosting NATO Allies in Washington, D.C. July 9-11, 2024 for NATO’s 75th anniversary summit, according to the White House.

In addition, the leaders underscored their shared desire to welcome Sweden to the Alliance "as soon as possible."  Stoltenberg also met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday and discussed efforts to include Sweden in the NATO alliance as Turkey holds up ratification over concerns about Swedish ties to extremist groups.

Alex Raufoglu