Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has emphasized the need for NATO members to focus on building a shared defense ecosystem rather than merely sharing burdens. Fidan, speaking to Turkish public broadcaster TRT, stated that the concept of burden-sharing has evolved from a mere idea into an actionable policy, marking a significant outcome of the recent NATO summit held in Ankara.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan highlighted that the summit was a notable success for Turkish foreign policy under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership. He stressed the crucial role of the defense industry, which is now considered a core component of security alongside military capabilities. Fidan pointed out that defense industry agreements within NATO are vital for the future.
Fidan noted the importance of resilience and collective decision-making among NATO members regarding the alliance's future. He argued that while industrial self-reliance has been a topic of discussion, it is evident that no single country can sustain the defense ecosystem alone. He underscored the importance of building a shared ecosystem among alliance members.
During a small-group meeting invited by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Fidan discussed transforming the defense industry ecosystem into a new policy area with allies possessing strong industrial capabilities. He remarked that NATO, traditionally associated with its Cold War-era role, is now entering the 'NATO 3.0' era, focusing on maintaining military and defense industrial capabilities amid evolving threats.
In discussions between Erdogan and US President Donald Trump, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to improving Trkiye-US relations. Fidan addressed the US' CAATSA sanctions on Trkiye, expressing optimism for resolving these issues and emphasizing that sanctions should not occur between allies.
Fidan mentioned the impact of rising NATO defense spending and new procurement agreements on Trkiye's defense industry, stating that effective implementation would yield positive results. He highlighted the significance of $50 billion in procurement agreements among NATO allies and their importance for Trkiye's defense industry, focusing on strategic technologies and weapons.
Fidan also noted Trkiye's growing role as a reliable partner and its commitment to national security. He mentioned ongoing efforts to resolve US-Iran differences over the Strait of Hormuz and Trkiye's dedication to ending the Russia-Ukraine war, warning of rising regional security risks.