LONDON, Dec 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) —UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to call for Nato unity, amid growing tensions within the military bloc.
A summit to mark the founding of the 29-member defence alliance 70 years ago begins near London on Tuesday.
The two-day gathering is overshadowed by a bitter row between France and Turkey over the Syrian conflict.
Last month, French President Emmanuel Macron described Nato as “brain dead”, saying alliance members were no longer co-operating on a range of key issues.
US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly accused Nato’s European members of not paying enough to maintain the bloc’s effectiveness, will be among Nato leaders attending.
Johnson is expected to reiterate the importance of Nato staying united.
“The PM’s position is that Nato is the most enduring and successful alliance in military history and that it continues to adapt to the evolving threats that we face,” Johnson’s spokesman said.
“It is the cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security and it helps to keep a billion people safe.
“The PM will emphasise that all members must be united behind shared priorities so Nato can adapt to the challenges ahead,” the spokesman added.
Both Macron and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be attending the summit.
Last month, Macron described Nato as “brain dead”, stressing what he saw as waning commitment to the transatlantic alliance by its main guarantor, the US.
He cited the US failure to consult the alliance before pulling forces out of northern Syria. The move opened the way for Turkey to push into Syria to create a “security zone” along its border.
Turkey responded several weeks later, with Erdogan suggesting Macron was the one who was “brain dead”.
Macron also angered Ankara by hosting in November an official from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Turkey views a section of the group – the YPG – as terrorists. — NNN-AGENCIES
