Trump departed Ankara portraying the meeting as both a diplomatic and personal success
Bucking expectations, NATO leaders wrapped up their two-day summit in Ankara on Wednesday by projecting a sense of unity.
US President Donald Trump hailed a spirit of “respect” after talks despite months of tensions over defence spending, trade disputes and the war in Ukraine. The emphasis on cohesion was notable after weeks of public disagreements between Washington and several European allies. Trump had repeatedly criticised NATO members over defence spending, European procurement policies and what he saw as insufficient support for the US-Israeli operation against Iran.
Often viewed by allies as an unpredictable presence at NATO summits, Trump instead left Ankara portraying the meeting as both a diplomatic and personal success.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said there had been “a great sense of unity” throughout the summit, adding that allies had “warmly welcomed President Trump’s leadership” in strengthening the alliance.
