Ankara: The upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, scheduled for July 7-8, will serve as the "strongest platform for sharing experience," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Monday. Addressing a luncheon in honor of NATO parliamentary speakers in Istanbul, Erdogan emphasized the summit's significance ahead of the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit to be held in the Turkish capital.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan highlighted the parliamentary summit as a valuable demonstration of cooperation and solidarity among the parliaments of allied countries. He expressed hopes for the success of all contributors to the meeting. The Turkish president noted that Euro-Atlantic security is at a historic turning point due to ongoing war, crises, terrorism, and irregular migration along NATO's eastern and southeastern borders, necessitating a restructuring of the alliance's security approach.
Erdogan pointed out that traditional patterns and assumptions are collapsing, leading to a period of uncertainty marked by rising tension and disorder. He criticized recent massacres in regions like Gaza and Lebanon for undermining the credibility of international institutions and stressed the importance of maintaining NATO's deterrence and strengthening solidarity among allies.
Erdogan called for the establishment of an "unconditional" security and defense network across NATO, spanning from Texas to Ankara. He also emphasized Turkey's increased defense spending and its ranking among the top five contributors to NATO missions and operations, in line with commitments made at the 2025 Hague summit.
Highlighting Turkey's strategic location and military capabilities, Erdogan stated that Turkey has been a leading ally contributing to NATO's security for over 70 years. He underscored Turkey's active participation in NATO missions and its commitment to preserving peace and stability. Erdogan also emphasized Turkey's ability to manage regional crises and its extensive experience within NATO, which it shares with allies.
The Ankara summit has garnered strong interest not only among allies but also globally, Erdogan noted. He urged parliamentarians to guarantee the right to life, which he described as a fundamental human right, and to create conditions for future generations to live in peace, prosperity, and security. Turkey's main expectation from the summit is to achieve outcomes that consider allies' national security sensitivities, strengthen alliance solidarity, and reinforce unity.
Erdogan expressed significant expectations from the alliance in combating terrorism, urging allies to remove obstacles to defense industry trade and ensure balanced burden-sharing. He affirmed Turkey's commitment to burden-sharing and highlighted its indispensable role in European security, which he believes is sometimes overlooked.
The Ankara summit will also emphasize defense industry cooperation, with Turkey showcasing its advanced products at the NATO Defense Industry Forum. Erdogan mentioned discussions on global and regional developments, including Ukraine, Iran, the Gulf, and Palestine, in line with NATO's 360-degree security approach.
Erdogan underscored Turkey's efforts in working with countries like Pakistan and Qatar to ensure the US-Iran cease-fire leads to a lasting solution. He also expressed concern over attacks targeting Lebanon, urging support to prevent provocations from destabilizing the region.
Addressing the Middle East, Erdogan reiterated the importance of resolving the Palestinian issue for regional peace, advocating for a two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. He highlighted Turkey's potential to contribute to regional and global peace given its strategic position and history.
On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Erdogan emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve the conflict and reiterated Turkey's active contribution to peace efforts as a trusted ally.