Washington, July 3 (EFE).- US President Donald Trump will attend the NATO summit amid escalating tensions with several European allies, saying he is participating «out of respect» for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan despite his sharp criticism of the alliance partners over their stance on the conflict with Iran.
The summit, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Ankara, comes amid Trump’s repeated threats to reduce the US military presence in Europe and his disputes with several European leaders, including a recent public exchange with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Despite the summit’s strategic importance, Trump has said he is attending only «out of respect» for Erdogan, portraying the Turkish leader as a rare exception among what he has described as «terrible» allies.
Trump criticizes European allies
In recent months, Trump has directed some of his strongest criticism at Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, accusing them of refusing logistical support during the conflict with Iran, including access to military bases and assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
