Trump asks NATO allies to immediately step up defence spending

Trump asks NATO allies to immediately step up defence spending

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has demanded of NATO allies to immediately step up defence spending.

Addressing the NATO summit in Brussels , he said the United States is protecting Germany, France and other allies for decades, which is inappropriate and we cannot accept it.

President Trump particularly criticised Germany for importing too much energy from Russia, hinting at the proposed Nord Stream II gas pipeline.

The two day summit is taking place at a time when Europe and the US are engaged in a bitter trade spat while Trump is also demanding of the NATO allies to reimburse Washington for the cost of defending the continent.

Canada offers to lead NATO’s new military training mission in Iraq

Canada has offered to lead NATO’s new military training mission in Iraq.

Speaking at an event on the sidelines of NATO summit in Brussels today (Wednesday), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country plays a prominent role in NATO missions and is investing heavily in new military equipment.

He announced that Canada would lead the Iraq training and military academy building mission and is ready to provide 250 troops and an unspecified number of helicopters.

The mission is part of NATO’s attempt to help Iraq rebuild and ensure that Daesh may not gain a new foothold in the country.
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