Türkiye’s National Security Council will convene to update ‘Red Book’
National Security Council meeting, Presidential Complex, Ankara, Türkiye, October 3, 2024 (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s National Security Council (NSC) is set to convene today at the Presidential Complex in Ankara under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The meeting will focus on updating the National Security Policy Document (NSPD), commonly referred to as the “Red Book,” which outlines Türkiye’s strategic security priorities and internal and external threat perceptions.
The document, last revised in September 2019, is undergoing updates to address Türkiye‘s evolving security dynamics and regional challenges. The National Security Council Secretariat has coordinated input from various ministries and institutions to finalize the revisions.
Preparations for ‘Red Book’ update
Following President Erdogan’s directive, a confidential meeting was held earlier this month under the leadership of Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz to discuss proposed changes to the NSPD, according to the media reports.
Contributions from ministries and relevant organizations were evaluated in detail during the meeting. The revised document is expected to provide a comprehensive framework for Türkiye’s security policies.
Key regional and global issues on agenda
In addition to the “Red Book,” the NSC will address pressing regional and global security concerns, including:
- Counterterrorism efforts
- Developments in Syria
- Cease-fire between Israel and Hamas
- Security dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean
- Ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict
The meeting, scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. TSI (1 p.m. GMT), aims to ensure Türkiye’s security strategy reflects current geopolitical realities.
Historical context of ‘Red Book’
The National Security Policy Document serves as a guiding framework for Türkiye’s approach to national security, encompassing principles for defense, foreign policy, and internal stability.
Following its last update in 2019, the NSC noted, “The National Security Policy Document has been reviewed, taking into account developments in our country, region, and the world, and has been deemed appropriate.”
