BERLIN, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK said in a joint statement on Wednesday that they would strengthen defense industrial cooperation, after meeting here with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte joining remotely from Washington.
The leaders said they are determined to build "a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO" and pursue their respective defense industrial endeavors in the closest possible cooperation.
They recognized the importance of closer defense industrial cooperation in delivering NATO's capabilities, warfighting readiness and resilience, which they said are essential for deterrence and defense.
According to the statement, they will focus on air defense, unmanned systems, AI and other capabilities, including long-range firepower. They also agreed to accelerate their commitment to European joint development and procurement of deep precision strike capabilities.
They also emphasized the importance of harnessing emerging technologies, supported by financial mechanisms, to unlock capital and investment, the statement said.
On Ukraine, they pledged further substantial support for Ukraine in its defense, including through sanctions and economic pressure on Russia, as well as support for the resilience of Ukraine's energy sector.
On Iran, they reaffirmed the importance of free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. They said they would join a UK- and France-led multinational military operation when conditions allow and in line with their constitutional requirements. ■
