Erdoğan says NATO summit highlighted Türkiye’s central role in global security

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the NATO summit hosted in Ankara demonstrated Türkiye’s growing importance within the Alliance and the broader international security architecture.

In a message published on X on Thursday, Erdoğan said Türkiye is “not just a host country, but a pivotal ally that directly contributes to the Alliance’s defence, diplomatic, and crisis resolution capabilities.”

He said NATO’s “Vision 3.0” initiative is intended to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities and better prepare the Alliance for emerging security challenges.

Erdoğan added that Türkiye remains one of NATO’s strongest members due to its military capabilities, strategic geographic position, diplomatic experience, and expanding defence industry.

Commenting on his meeting with US President Donald Trump, Erdoğan expressed optimism that the talks would produce concrete progress on defence cooperation.

“I believe it will lead to tangible results that align with our country’s aspirations in the defence industry, particularly concerning the F-35 and KAAN fighter jet programs,” he said.

Türkiye has been seeking to rejoin the US-led F-35 program after its removal in 2019 following the purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence system, while also developing its domestically produced fifth-generation KAAN fighter aircraft.

Erdoğan also highlighted Türkiye’s diplomatic role in several regional conflicts, saying Ankara continues to maintain communication channels between Russia and Ukraine while advocating diplomacy in efforts to address tensions between Iran and the United States.

He added that Türkiye remains committed to promoting ceasefires, regional stability and multilateral cooperation in relation to Gaza, Lebanon and Libya.