Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday hailed a successful Ankara summit for laying the "foundation of a stronger NATO."
He described it as a "historic" gathering that will help shape the alliance's future at a time of heightened security challenges across the Euro-Atlantic region.
"We have successfully concluded our NATO summit, which we hosted in our country for the second time in 22 years and for the first time in our capital, Ankara," Erdoğan said at a news conference following the conclusion of the summit.
He said the meeting came at a critical moment for Euro-Atlantic security and would have lasting significance for the alliance.
"This historic summit, which we hosted at a time when Euro-Atlantic security is being tested, has been conducted in a manner that will shape our common future," he said.
Erdoğan said Türkiye has had to contend with regional crises and terrorism for decades without benefiting from the post-Cold War "peace dividend" enjoyed by many European countries.
"There were times when we were left alone and treated unfairly. Therefore, we often had to rely on our own capabilities," he said.
He noted that those efforts have enabled Türkiye to surpass many NATO allies in defense spending, military capabilities and the strength of its defense industry.
"Today, in terms of defense spending, military capabilities and the defense industry that underpins them, we are well ahead of many allies," Erdoğan said.
The president added that NATO leaders reviewed the implementation of commitments made at last year's summit in The Hague and reaffirmed Türkiye's plans to further increase its contributions to the alliance.
Türkiye's role in NATO
Highlighting Türkiye's military role within NATO, Erdoğan said the country commands the alliance's second-largest land force and has long served as the cornerstone of security on NATO's southeastern flank.
"We currently command NATO's second-largest land army. For decades, the security of NATO's southeastern flank has largely been entrusted to our country," he said.
He said Türkiye remains among the leading contributors to NATO operations, missions and common funding, adding that Turkish F-16 fighter jets will be deployed to Estonia beginning in August as part of NATO's Air Policing mission.
Erdoğan also said Türkiye will continue leading the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) until September 2026 and is scheduled to command the NATO Response Force in 2028-2029.
Highlighting Türkiye's defense industry, Erdoğan said the country is among the few NATO members capable of producing its own fighter aircraft, tanks, naval vessels and air defense systems.
He added that Türkiye has become a global leader in unmanned aerial vehicles, naval drones and warship production while also supplying defense products to allied nations.
Erdoğan reiterated that EU defense initiatives should complement NATO, rather than duplicate its efforts.
"The European Union's defense initiatives must complement NATO and avoid unnecessary duplication. I draw the attention of our allies and the EU leadership to this important point at every opportunity and in every forum," he said.
Erdoğan also renewed his call for the removal of remaining restrictions on defense trade among NATO allies.
"Although some obstacles to defense industry trade among allies have decreased, they still exist. These restrictions must be removed as soon as possible, without conditions," he said.