Türkiye's Fidan attends key NATO talks, to highlight Ankara Summit plans

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to participate in a pivotal NATO Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Brussels, where he will engage in high-level diplomacy to advance Türkiye's strategic priorities within the Alliance. According to diplomatic sources, Fidan's schedule includes bilateral meetings with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, and the foreign ministers of the UK and Spain, among other counterparts.

Setting the Stage for the 2026 Ankara Summit

A central focus of the gathering will be initial preparations for the 2026 NATO Summit, which Türkiye will host in Ankara on July 7-8. Minister Fidan is expected to brief allies on the preparatory work and underscore Türkiye's substantial contributions to Euro-Atlantic security. He will emphasize the need for NATO's European defense initiatives to remain complementary to the Alliance and inclusive of all members, particularly non-EU allies like Türkiye, avoiding duplication that could weaken the transatlantic bond.

Advancing Türkiye's Defense and Security Agenda

During the closed-door session for member states, Fidan is anticipated to highlight the role of Türkiye's strong, modern military and its growing defense industry in bolstering collective security. He will advocate for the removal of barriers to defense industry cooperation among allies and note Türkiye's operational commitments, including its leadership of the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR). The discussions will cover critical issues such as the war in Ukraine, security on NATO's eastern and southern flanks, and the strategic implications of Asia-Pacific developments.

Diplomatic Outreach on Ukraine and Lasting Peace

The second session will convene the NATO-Ukraine Council with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. In this forum, Minister Fidan is expected to reaffirm Türkiye's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity while detailing Ankara's multifaceted assistance. Crucially, he will reiterate Türkiye's consistent call for renewed diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, positioning Türkiye as a ready and capable mediator in any future peace-oriented process.