By Janet Ekstract, ISTANBUL- On June 29, in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke at a luncheon in honor of NATO parliamentarian speakers. Erdogan expressed his hope that July’s NATO Summit in Ankara will prioritize alliance unity while also safeguarding allies’ national security sensitivities. The 36th NATO Summit taking place July 7-8 in Ankara, will host 32 NATO leaders and officials from the alliance’s partners in the Gulf and Asia-Pacific region. The Turkish president also mentioned lifting restriction on defense trade and for Turkiye’s participation in initiatives that boost European security.
Key topics on the NATO agenda include defense spending within the alliance along with the Trump administration’s complaints about allies’ lack of involvement in re-opening the Strait of Hormuz amid the U.S., Israeli and Iran conflict. Erdogan also said allies will discuss wars in Iran, Ukraine and Gaza. He added that Turkiye expects more from allies in supporting efforts to end the decades-long insurgency of the terrorist organization Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Turkiye is also seeking to be involved in European defense plans. As Erdogan explained: “If we want to combat the tests we are facing, we must lift restrictions on defense, industry and trade while carrying our burden-sharing in a balanced and fair manner.” He added that Turkiye is doing its part in achieving NATO’s defense spending targets. Erdogan emphasized that the NATO Summit 2026 will be “the strongest platform for sharing experience,” adding that Ankara shares with its allies its “exceptional ability to manage regional crises,” as well as its experience within the alliance. The Turkish president said that maintaining NATO’s deterrence and strengthening solidarity between allies is crucial, considering the current global geopolitical climate.
