NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on EU leaders to step up relations with Turkey, in the context of a possible US military presence.

<p>Possible US withdrawal from European security is forcing Europe to reassess its alliances. NATO is urging the EU and Turkey to deepen ties, with some European countries advocating a "coalition of the willing" with non-EU states. Turkey, although a candidate for EU membership, maintains strong ties with Russia, which is causing some reluctance to cooperate on defense.