Ankara: Trkiye is seeking to strengthen cooperation with NATO allies as Ankara hosts the 36th NATO Leaders Summit, Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat said Tuesday after welcoming leaders from Czechia, Croatia, Albania, Romania, and Lithuania.

According to Anadolu Agency, Bolat expressed a commitment to increasing trade volume and advancing economic cooperation with the Czech Republic, focusing on investment, industry, technology, and the defense sector. Bolat emphasized Trkiye's strategic location and active trade diplomacy as crucial factors in fostering alliances.

In meetings with the Croatian president, Bolat highlighted the ongoing advancement of relations based on shared will and mutual trust, exploring new cooperation opportunities. He also noted discussions with the Albanian prime minister aimed at elevating economic relations through new projects and mutual investments.

Welcoming the Romanian president, Bolat affirmed Trkiye's commitment to strengthening ties, particularly in trade, investment, transportation, and economic cooperation. Similarly, talks with the Lithuanian president focused on developing relations through mutual dialogue, particularly in trade, investment, transportation, and regional cooperation.

Bolat expressed hope that the summit's engagements would enhance cooperation among allied countries, contributing to regional and global peace, security, and stability. The Ankara summit, a gathering of the 32-member alliance, focuses on Europe's defense capacity, defense spending targets, military modernization, and continued support for Ukraine.

This is the second NATO summit hosted by Trkiye, following the 2004 Istanbul summit, providing a platform for bilateral meetings on political, security, and economic cooperation.