Ankara: Trkiye's National Defense Ministry on Thursday described the NATO summit held in Ankara as a "historic gathering" where allies comprehensively addressed current security threats and evaluated strategic decisions aimed at strengthening the alliance's collective deterrence and defense capabilities. Speaking at the ministry's weekly press briefing at the Ay Yildiz Joint Headquarters in Ankara, ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk said the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit was held within the framework of a "360-degree security approach." The spokesperson also welcomed US President Donald Trump's remarks on CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) sanctions relief.
According to Anadolu Agency, Akturk emphasized that the summit reinforced solidarity among allies, helped develop a shared vision for the evolving security environment, and strengthened the common approach to security across the Euro-Atlantic region. Referring to the Defense Industry Forum and the reception for NATO defense ministers hosted by Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler on the sidelines of the summit, Akturk said the events promoted joint production and technological cooperation among allies while showcasing Trkiye's high technological capabilities, strong production capacity, and innovative vision in the defense industry.
Akturk noted that Trkiye would continue contributing to international peace, security, and stability as a reliable and responsible NATO ally through its strong military, growing domestic defense industry, active defense diplomacy, and multidimensional foreign policy. On questions about US President Donald Trump's remarks on possible CAATSA sanctions relief during the NATO summit, the Defense Ministry said Trkiye "continues to make significant contributions to NATO's deterrence and collective security as a strong and effective ally."
He added: "We expect all explicit and implicit restrictions targeting our defense industry, including the CAATSA sanctions, which are incompatible with the spirit of alliance, to be lifted. In this context, we welcome the statements made by the US president and favor an approach that strengthens mutual trust and solidarity among allies rather than restrictions." Responding to remarks by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis opposing Trkiye's potential acquisition of F-35 fighter jets, the ministry said Ankara supports resolving regional issues through constructive dialogue and good-neighborly relations, adding that avoiding rhetoric that could increase tensions would positively contribute to bilateral ties.
Akturk also stressed that the Turkish Armed Forces pose no threat to those who do not threaten Trkiye. He said Defense Minister Yasar Guler held talks with his counterparts from Japan, Latvia, New Zealand, Hungary, Canada, Romania, and Bulgaria on the sidelines of the NATO summit, focusing on defense cooperation, regional security, and alliance priorities.
Guler also signed a declaration of intent on defense cooperation with Canada and an amendment expanding the mandate of the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group to protect critical undersea infrastructure. He also signed, together with the defense ministers of Romania and Bulgaria, an amendment to a memorandum expanding the mandate of the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group (MCM Black Sea) to include the protection of the three countries' critical undersea infrastructure in the Black Sea.
On July 8, Guler also joined President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the NATO summit sessions and attended the president's bilateral meetings with the leaders of France, Syria, Italy, Germany, and the UK. Earlier in his remarks, Akturk also highlighted the Ay Yildiz Headquarters project, which will bring together the National Defense Ministry, the Turkish General Staff, and the country's armed forces commands at a single complex, describing it as a strategic vision project to adapt to the changing security environment.