NATO leaders have reaffirmed their “ironclad” commitment to Article 5 of the Alliance’s founding treaty on collective defense in the declaration adopted at the NATO summit in Ankara.
“We reaffirm our ironclad commitment to collective defence under Article 5. An attack on one is an attack on all. Our unity, solidarity and collective strength remain the foundation of peace, security and prosperity for one billion citizens across the Alliance,” the declaration states.
The declaration also says NATO allies will allocate more than $50 billion for new military procurement and commit to expanding collective defense production. The allies pledged to continue efforts to remove defense trade barriers within the Alliance.
“We are building the future: a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO – a modernized Alliance. European Allies and Canada, working closely with the United States, are assuming greater responsibility for the Alliance’s defence,” the declaration says.
The allies also reiterated that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon and called on Tehran to fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
