Ankara NATO summit will be ‘strongest platform for sharing experience’

The NATO summit in Ankara on July 7‑8 will serve as the “strongest platform for sharing experience,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Monday. Addressing a luncheon in honour of NATO parliamentary speakers in Istanbul, Erdoğan said Ankara shares with allies both its “exceptional ability to manage regional crises” and extensive experience within the alliance. Türkiye is increasing its defence spending and ranks among the top five contributors to NATO missions and operations, in line with commitments made at the 2025 Hague summit.

NATO unity and security

Erdoğan said maintaining NATO’s deterrence and strengthening solidarity among allies have become even more critical in the current landscape. He urged establishing an “unconditional” security and defence network across the alliance, “stretching from Texas to Ankara.” Commenting on the Russia‑Ukraine war, Erdoğan said results must be achieved in the coming period to resolve the conflict through dialogue. He noted that the Palestinian issue lies at the heart of Middle East tensions and that lasting peace is impossible unless Israel’s land grab ends.

Türkiye’s role

Türkiye, as host of the summit, is expected to showcase its military capabilities and defence industry achievements. The summit will also address burden‑sharing, NATO’s response to the Iran‑US conflict, and support for Ukraine. Erdoğan’s remarks reflect Ankara’s ambition to position itself as a central player in NATO’s future, bridging Europe, the Middle East, and the Black Sea region.