NATO calls the EU and Turkey to deepen the connections

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NATO called on the EU and Turkey to improve its relations when US President Donald Trump’s retreat from the European security forces of the continent’s capital quickly rethink their alliances.

NATO Secretary General Mark Ruthte privately urged EU leaders to intensify communication with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after many years of intense relationships, according to officials informed of his comments

This happens when Brussels explores a way to raise cooperation with Turkey And other non -EU neighbors, within the scale scale of European defense capabilities.

Trump’s threats withdraw US security guarantees to the European Allies NATO, and its transition to reboot with Russia and disable Ukraine’s support for Ukraine. As well as hurrying with increasing defense costs, some EU capitals are in favor of work in “Coalition of those who want” With non -EU countries such as Norway and UK.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidon attended the meeting of the main military forces of Europe in London earlier this month to discuss the support of Ukraine and broad issues of defense.

Subsequently, in February, a request from Rute at a private lunch with EU leaders, where he raised the importance of raising cooperation with Turkey and called on those who attended Ankara to work, report three people informed in discussions.

The Press Socialist Rute, the former Prime Minister of the Dutch, who sometimes encountered Erdogan bitter during his position, refused to comment. In January, NATO Secretary General said in the European Parliament that “I believe that” with the participation of non -EU allies is vital for Europe’s security. ”

“Things are changing. At some point in time, you need to decide who you would like on your team, regardless of any problems that may arise, “said one high -ranking EU official about relations with Turkey.” But they must also understand their ambiguity over Russia. ”

Turkey did not join the EU and other Western allies in the direct sanctions on Moscow in response to its full -scale invasion of Ukraine and maintained strong economic and energy ties with Russia. The Athena was indicated by the lack of participation of Turkey in sanctions.

While the EU direct participation in protection and security is limited to areas such as military mobility and some peacekeeping and monitoring missions, the block has significant financial leverage to form a defense cooperation.

A significant Turkish weapon industry is an element of widespread bustle among the Member States as to whether the third country protection campaign should take advantage of the EU initiatives to increase. The point to increase interaction with Ankara is also aimed at bilateral ties with EU capitals, officials said.

Turkey is technically a candidate for admission to the EU, but this process has long been going. The block has suspended various dialogue channels – including safety and protection – partly due to the lift of tension with Greece.

One of the Greek diplomats said Athens remain “cautious, not dogmatic” to increase defense cooperation with Ankara. “Turkey should be constructive in solving excellent problems with the member states,” he added, citing Greece and Cyprus.

Cyprus EU member Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded its north in response to the inspired Athens, which sought to unite the island with Greece, is one of the biggest obstacles to deepening the connections. Turkish officials complain that the situation over the island is just over 1 million people causing initiatives to expand cooperation on European security issues.

Trump’s arrival has moved the prospects, several diplomats of The Financial Times reported.

“We currently determine the best course of action,” Fidan said last week when asked about the potential effects of Trump on Europe’s security mechanisms. “If this leads to a new European security structure, we are ready to cooperate.”