Berlin, June 24 -- Against the backdrop of the current threats and challenges to the security environment, leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom met on Wednesday (local time) in Berlin. The Secretary General of NATO joined the meeting from Washington, a statement by the UK Prime Minister's Office said.

Leaders affirmed their unwavering commitment to Euro-Atlantic security and the transatlantic bond, recognising the vital role the US continues to play in the Alliance. They agreed to collectively work towards a successful NATO summit in Ankara hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 7-8.

They expressed their strong determination to build a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO and to pursue their r...