NATO Secretary General Rutte highlights Türkiye’s strategic role ahead of visit
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a press conference at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium on October 28, 2024. (AA Photo)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is set to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara to discuss pressing security issues, including the threat of terrorism, the war in Ukraine, and crises in the Middle East.
This will mark Rutte’s first visit to Türkiye since assuming office.
Türkiye’s pivotal role in alliance’s southern flank
In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Rutte praised Türkiye’s contributions to NATO, noting its pivotal role in bolstering the alliance’s southern flank. “Türkiye possesses NATO’s second-largest army and an impressive defense industry, making it an invaluable and steadfast ally for over 70 years,” Rutte stated.
NATO chief says ‘looking forward’ to meeting Turkish President Erdogan to discuss ‘growing challenges to collective security’ including war in Ukraine, Mideast crisis.
Strengthening collective security in a volatile world
Rutte emphasized the importance of addressing collective security in a rapidly changing global landscape.
“In an increasingly unpredictable world, Türkiye makes an invaluable contribution to our Alliance, strengthening deterrence on our southern flank. Türkiye has NATO’s second largest army, an impressive defense industry and has been a strong and committed ally for more than 70 years.” Rutte stated.
( Erçin Ertürk – Anadolu Agency )
High-level meetings and defense industry discussions
During his visit, Rutte will meet with key Turkish officials, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yasar Guler. He is also scheduled to hold talks with representatives of Türkiye’s defense industry and will tour facilities of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
Additionally, Rutte will also visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, to pay respects to Türkiye’s founding leader.
NATO and Türkiye: A strong partnership
Rutte’s visit underscores NATO’s recognition of Türkiye’s strategic role within the alliance, particularly amidst escalating global tensions. The meetings are expected to reaffirm the importance of unity and cooperation in addressing shared security challenges.
NATO chief praises Türkiye’s ‘invaluable contributions’ to NATO, ‘reinforcing deterrence on Southern flank’ with 2nd ‘largest army’ in NATO with ‘impressive defense industry.’
