Ankara NATO summit will shape alliance future, communications chief says

Türkiye's Communications Director Burhanettin Duran on Monday described the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara as a pivotal moment for both the alliance's trajectory and the broader global security framework. Speaking to journalists at the International Media Center, Duran said the July 7-8 gathering has been conceived under the concept of "NATO 3.0" to address pressing strategic challenges. "This summit, which has come to the fore under the concept of NATO 3.0, is very important. Very important issues will be discussed in Ankara, both for NATO's future and for how the global architecture will be shaped," Duran said.

The summit is expected to attract unprecedented participation at the level of heads of state and government, according to Duran, who noted that numerous bilateral meetings will take place on the sidelines. More than 2,500 media representatives will cover the event from the Presidential National Library, where organizers have established workspaces, live broadcast positions, and editing facilities.

Erdogan-Trump bilateral agenda

Regarding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's bilateral agenda, Duran confirmed that a meeting with US President Donald Trump is scheduled to address both the NATO program and bilateral files. "The meeting between our president and President Trump effectively has two important agendas: the NATO summit and President Trump's state visit. Therefore, we attach great importance to this visit," he said.

The discussions are expected to encompass defense cooperation issues including the KAAN fighter jet engine program and outstanding legal matters such as the Halkbank case. "There are many bilateral issues that have been discussed during the frequent phone calls between our president and President Trump. You already know some of them. One is the issue of the KAAN fighter jet engines. Previously there was the Halkbank issue," Duran said, adding that trade relations will also feature prominently.

European security and defense spending

Beyond the US-Türkiye dialogue, NATO leaders will use the summit to discuss strengthening the transatlantic bond and European security architectures. "In addition, there will be bilateral meetings. Bilateral meetings generally focus on countries' own bilateral agendas," Duran stated, adding that defense spending and regional security cooperation will figure prominently in the discussions.

The communications director emphasized that each bilateral engagement carries unique national priorities requiring separate assessment. Leaders are expected to review alliance-wide reforms and collective defense commitments during the two-day proceedings in Ankara.