Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the upcoming North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Ankara will provide a strong platform for allied nations to exchange experience and strengthen cooperation as the alliance confronts growing security challenges.
Speaking on Monday at a reception for parliamentary leaders from NATO member states in Istanbul, Erdoğan said Turkey would continue sharing its extensive experience in crisis management and collective defence within the alliance.
He said Ankara is increasing defence spending and remains among NATO’s top contributors to alliance missions and operations. Erdoğan also called for an “unconditional” security and defence network stretching “from Texas to Ankara,” stressing that maintaining NATO’s deterrence and internal solidarity has become increasingly important.
The Turkish president reiterated that the war in Ukraine should end through dialogue and diplomacy. He also said lasting peace in the Middle East would remain unattainable as long as what he described as the occupation of Palestinian territories continues.
Turkey has played an increasingly prominent role within NATO by expanding its defence industry, modernising its armed forces and serving as a strategic bridge between Europe, the Middle East and the Black Sea region. Ankara has also positioned itself as a mediator in several regional conflicts while maintaining dialogue with both Western allies and regional powers.
The NATO summit comes as alliance members continue to adapt to evolving security threats, including the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and increased pressure to raise defence spending. Turkey has repeatedly argued that stronger coordination among allies is essential to address both conventional and emerging security challenges.
