NATO Chief Rutte hails Türkiye’s crucial role amid rising BRICS ties

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Tuesday praised Türkiye for its “vital role” in the alliance’s southeastern flank and its contributions to NATO as a whole. He emphasized that it is Ankara’s sovereign right to engage with BRICS partners.

“Let’s not forget that Türkiye is a very important ally in the alliance. It has one of the best-equipped military forces in NATO and plays a vital role in its part of the NATO geography,” Rutte said in Tallinn, Estonia. “It provides a lot of capabilities to NATO as a whole.”

His remarks came in response to a question about Türkiye’s ties with BRICS as the 16th summit of the intergovernmental organization takes place in Kazan, Russia.

Rutte expressed satisfaction with Türkiye’s long-standing membership in NATO, which dates back to 1952. “Within the alliance of 32 countries, there will always be debates,” he noted.

‘Türkiye has sovereign right to do so’

Acknowledging Ankara’s collaboration with some BRICS partners, Rutte highlighted that Türkiye has “the sovereign right to do so,” which may occasionally lead to discussions within NATO. However, he reassured that Türkiye remains a popular ally within the alliance.

“We must maximize our cooperation, and we are very happy that they are an ally of ours,” Rutte added.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated earlier on Tuesday that Türkiye “sincerely” aims to enhance its cooperation with the BRICS group.

The leaders of BRICS countries are arriving in Kazan for the summit, with up to 22 heads of state and six heads of international organizations expected to attend. Erdogan, attending as a guest, is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday.