Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met his Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb in the capital Ankara on Tuesday, as the two-day NATO summit kicked off. Meeting at the presidential complex, Erdogan and Stubb discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global matters, Trkiye's Communications Directorate said in a statement.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan expressed satisfaction with the momentum gained in trade relations between Trkiye and Finland, emphasizing the countries' commitment to advancing cooperation. He also underscored the significance of demonstrating alliance solidarity at the summit and highlighted Trkiye's potential contribution to the European Security Strategy. Erdogan noted that the European Union's efforts to ensure stability and security in Europe should complement NATO.

Erdogan further emphasized Trkiye's efforts to resolve conflicts in Iran and Ukraine through dialogue and mentioned ongoing efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid access to the region.

Later in the day, Stubb is scheduled to attend a dinner hosted by Erdogan and first lady Emine Erdogan in honor of the heads of state and government, and their spouses. Stubb expressed gratitude to Erdogan for hosting the summit, highlighting Trkiye's important role as an ally to Finland in security and economic matters. He praised Trkiye's readiness to host peace negotiations aimed at achieving a sustainable and just peace in Ukraine.

Finland joined NATO as a full member in 2023. The NATO summit in Ankara focuses on implementing defense spending commitments agreed upon at last year's summit in The Hague, sustaining military support for Ukraine, and expanding defense industrial production.