US Defense Secretary Praises UK's Plan to Increase Defense Contributions to NATO
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the UK's plan to increase its defense contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization during a meeting with his British counterpart.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Washington, Oct 16 (KUNA) – U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised Britain’s plan to increase its defense contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), while affirming that the United States and Britain are bound by a strong, long-term defense partnership. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Barnell said in a statement Thursday evening that Hegseth made these remarks during a meeting at the Pentagon with his British counterpart, Wes Streeting, during Streeting’s first visit to Washington since assuming office in July. Barnell added that the two sides reviewed Britain’s recently launched “Defense Investment Plan,” which outlines the contours of increased British defense spending. He noted that Hegseth encouraged the British minister to continue raising defense spending at a faster pace and higher rates, in order to support and strengthen the NATO concept aimed at transferring more responsibility for Europe’s protection to European allies, making the alliance “fairer, stronger, and more sustainable.” The two ministers also discussed the positioning of U.S. forces and bases in Europe and the opportunity presented by this review to ensure that U.S. positioning aligns with the alliance’s current requirements. Hegseth urged his British counterpart to continue supporting U.S. President Donald Trump’s goal of achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine and ensuring the security of global energy supplies in the Strait of Hormuz. (End) A.M.M. / M.A.H.A.
