US, Canada discuss strengthening defense cooperation

By Asiye Latife Yilmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) – US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty discussed defense and military cooperation between the two countries, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

The two leaders discussed Canada’s commitment made at the NATO Hague Summit to increase defense spending to five percent of gross domestic product by 2035, as well as planned investments to achieve this goal.

Hegseth emphasized the strategic importance of US-Canada cooperation, particularly as Canada seeks to rebuild its military capabilities. He urged Canada to align its defense enhancements with shared defense interests, especially the defense of North America.

Separately, Hegseth held a phone call with Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, affirming the Department of War stands with all NATO allies and that any incursion into NATO airspace is unacceptable.

He assured Pevkur that he was in close consultation with the Supreme Allied Commander for Europe about next steps and would continue to track the situation closely.

Estonia accused Russia on Sept. 19 of violating its airspace. Similar accusations were made by Poland and Romania, and denied by Russia.