Britain’s prime minister today praised Defense Minister Ben Wallace, calling him “fantastic” and saying he strongly supports his candidacy for secretary general of the US-led military alliance, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
He said Wallace was “respected by many” as he talked about his chances of leading NATO, adding that Britain had always been a strong participant in the military alliance.
“I would say that Ben is respected by many among his colleagues around the world mostly because of his role in Ukraine,” Sunak said. “The UK has always been a leading contributor to NATO and we will always continue to be strong members and contributors to NATO,” he added.
Sunak will meet Joe Biden this week, their fourth meeting in the past few months, and is expected to try to win the US leader’s support for Wallace’s appointment as NATO leader as current Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg steps down from the post in September this year.
“On the issue of NATO, Ben is a fantastic defense minister. There is a discussion going on between world leaders about this right now and I’m sure it will continue,” Sunak told a press conference.
Wallace said earlier this month that he “wouldn’t turn it down if offered” the position, but with some governments pushing for the first-ever NATO secretary-general to be a woman, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is also set to be serious contender.
Sunak will be in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday, and with the trip the British leader hopes to strengthen trade relations between the UK and the US and for both countries to continue to be a leading force in support for Ukraine.
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Assessment 3.4 from 15 voice.
2023-06-05 16:45:00
#NATO
