Ankara, 08 July 2026 (Anadolu News)

The 2026 NATO Summit concluded in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan describing the gathering as a successful and historic event that comes at a critical time for Euro-Atlantic security. Hosting the alliance in the Turkish capital for the first time, Türkiye welcomed leaders from across NATO to discuss collective defense, regional conflicts and the alliance's future priorities.

Speaking after the two-day meeting, Erdogan said the summit would help shape NATO's future as security challenges continue to evolve. He noted that Türkiye has long faced regional instability and terrorism without enjoying the post-Cold War security environment experienced by many European nations. According to Erdogan, these circumstances encouraged Türkiye to strengthen its own defense capabilities and reduce reliance on external support.

He said the country's investments have significantly enhanced its military strength and defense industry, placing Türkiye among NATO's leading members in terms of military capability and defense spending. Erdogan also highlighted Türkiye's growing domestic defense production, including fighter aircraft, tanks, naval vessels, air defense systems and unmanned technologies, while noting that Turkish-made defense products are now supplied to allied countries.

The Turkish president emphasized Türkiye's longstanding contribution to NATO, pointing out that the country commands the alliance's second-largest land force and continues to play a key role in securing NATO's southeastern flank. He also announced that Turkish F-16 fighter jets will participate in NATO's Air Policing mission in Estonia from August. In addition, Türkiye will continue leading the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) until September 2026 and is scheduled to command the NATO Response Force during 2028-2029.

Erdogan reiterated Türkiye's position that European Union defense initiatives should complement NATO rather than duplicate its responsibilities. He also called for the removal of remaining restrictions affecting defense trade among NATO allies, arguing that stronger cooperation would benefit the alliance's collective security.

Addressing ongoing international conflicts, Erdogan urged renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, describing the conflict as a costly war of attrition with heavy human losses. He reaffirmed Türkiye's willingness to host future peace negotiations, saying dialogue remains the only sustainable path toward a just settlement.

He also expressed concern over continuing violence in the Middle East, citing developments in Gaza and Lebanon. Erdogan warned that prolonged instability threatens the wider region and stressed the importance of pursuing peace and preventing further escalation.

On the sidelines of the summit, Erdogan held bilateral meetings with several leaders, including US President Donald Trump and the heads of government from Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. He also announced that Türkiye will host the Organization of Turkic States Summit in Ankara later this year, followed by the COP31 UN Climate Summit in Antalya.

Meanwhile, NATO leaders adopted the Ankara Summit Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, which states that an attack against one ally is considered an attack against all. The declaration stressed alliance unity, stronger deterrence and increased defense investment while identifying Russia as a long-term security challenge and terrorism as a persistent threat.

The allies pledged to expand defense production, improve military capabilities and continue supporting Ukraine. NATO members committed €70 billion in military assistance and training for Kyiv in 2026 while expressing support for maintaining similar levels of assistance in 2027. The declaration also reiterated that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons and called for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while thanking Türkiye for hosting the landmark summit.