Clinton backs stronger EU, shared NATO partnership

(WASHINGTON) - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called Wednesday for a stronger European Union while also urging NATO members to share in the alliance's responsibilities.

In a speech to foreign policy experts, Clinton said she and US President Barack Obama have reached out to European allies to "strengthen both our bilateral and multilateral ties" while tackling a range of global challenges.

She told the gathering at the Council on Foreign Relations that Washington will have to adjust to "influential new players" like the EU parliament after the EU-reforming Lisbon Treaty.

"But these are debates among friends that will always be secondary to the fundamental interests and values we share. And there is no doubt that a stronger EU is good for America and good for the world," Clinton said.

The chief US diplomat also praised the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as the "world's most successful alliance."

She recalled its contribution to stabilizing war-torn Afghanistan, while alluding to the withdrawal of troops by some member countries and refusal of others to deploy in areas where there is combat.

"A core principle of all of our alliances is shared responsibility. Each nation must step up to do its part. And American leadership does not mean we do everything ourselves," Clinton said.

"We contribute our share -- often the largest share -- but we also have high expectations of the governments and peoples we work with," she said.