British NATO envoy calls UK and Türkiye 'bookends of alliance'

Britain's NATO military representative Lieutenant General Eldon Millar has described the United Kingdom and Türkiye as "the bookends of the alliance," praising Ankara's pivotal role as a bridge between continents ahead of the NATO Summit scheduled for July 7-8.

Strategic anchors

Speaking to Anadolu in Ankara ahead of the summit, Millar emphasized that the two countries represent the geographic and strategic anchors of NATO — the UK in the northwest and Türkiye spanning the critical junction of North-South and East-West. "If you look at what Türkiye brings to the alliance, it's a vital bridge between so many different parts of the world," he said, noting that Ankara has been a member for more than 70 years and participates in almost every alliance operation.

Russia threat and burden-sharing

The British envoy stressed that Russia poses an "imminent and pressing threat" that frames NATO's current strategic posture, adding that European allies are increasingly stepping up to shoulder greater defense responsibilities. Millar pointed to advances in weapons capabilities and new command structures as evidence of Europe's growing contribution to the transatlantic alliance, which he said "has always been and will always be" anchored across the Atlantic.

Bilateral defense cooperation

Millar highlighted robust defense ties between London and Ankara, citing the Eurofighter Typhoon technical agreement and routine joint training exercises that see the two militaries operating "shoulder to shoulder." He noted that UK personnel currently serve under a Turkish general in NATO's Kosovo Force, demonstrating what he called a relationship that has "always been strong" and is given "real substance" through alliance structures.

During his visit, Millar paid respects at Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Republic founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, describing the experience as a privilege that underscored the historic ties between the two nations. The NATO Summit on July 7-8 will gather alliance leaders to discuss burden-sharing and the ongoing response to Russian aggression.