Ankara, July 8 (SANA)NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday that the outcomes of the alliance’s 36th summit in Ankara would strengthen NATO’s capabilities and reinforce allied unity.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the summit’s main session, Rutte said the meetings held on Tuesday were successful and resulted in the announcement of several new agreements and commitments.

He added the summit marks the implementation phase of goals agreed at the previousNATO summitin The Hague, particularly increasing defense spending and investment in the defense industry.

Rutte said allies had made progress toward raising defense spending, which has reached about 4% of GDP, as part of a target of 5%. He attributed the increase to several factors, including what he described as the Russian threat and U.S. calls for a more balanced sharing of defense responsibilities.

He added that the leaders would discuss a number of issues during Wednesday’s sessions, including preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and ensuring freedom of navigation, stressing the strategic importance of fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Rutte also said he expected the summit’s final declaration to reaffirm that Russia poses a long-term threat to NATO territory.

Commenting on recent U.S. strikes onIran, Rutte described them as “necessary” and accused Tehran of violating the ceasefire by attacking vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

On the future of the U.S. military presence in Europe, he reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to NATO, describing the alliance as a strategic interest for the United States.

Turkey is hosting the NATO summit for the second time after the 2004 Istanbul summit, amid growing regional and international security challenges.F.J./ABD