NATO Secretary General Commends Türkiye’s Defence Contributions and Solidarity
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s visit to Türkiye on November 25, 2024, highlighted Türkiye’s vital contributions to NATO’s security and its strong military capabilities. He praised Türkiye’s leadership in various missions, including KFOR in Kosovo, and its support for Ukraine amidst the Russian conflict. Discussions also covered Türkiye’s role in combating terrorism and defense collaborations, culminating in a visit to the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
On November 25, 2024, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Türkiye, where he engaged with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, and Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler in Ankara. The Secretary General extolled Türkiye’s vital role in NATO’s collective security, noting that it possesses the second-largest military in the Alliance and allocates more than 2% of its GDP to defense expenditures.
Mr. Rutte congratulated Türkiye on the successful conclusion of its leadership of NATO’s KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, remarking, “your consistent contribution of troops is crucial in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all in Kosovo.” Furthermore, the discussions encompassed Türkiye’s unwavering support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Secretary General commended Türkiye’s provision of military assistance and its involvement in facilitating initiatives such as the Black Sea Grain Deal.
Discussions with the Turkish leadership included diverse topics such as Türkiye’s significant contributions to NATO security, defense industrial collaboration, the volatile situation in the Middle East, and combating terrorism. Mr. Rutte expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its major contributions to the fight against terrorism, particularly in NATO’s mission in Iraq. He also extended condolences regarding the recent terrorist attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI-TUSAS) facility in Ankara on October 23, stating, “We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms.”
During his official visit, Secretary General Rutte paid homage to the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk by visiting his mausoleum, further emphasizing the historical significance of Türkiye in regional dynamics and international peacekeeping efforts.
The visit of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to Türkiye reflected the Allied focus on reinforcing collective defense and addressing current regional challenges. With Türkiye holding a strategic position in NATO, its military capabilities and contributions to various missions, such as the KFOR in Kosovo and anti-terror operations, are critical for maintaining stability. Additionally, Türkiye’s role in supporting Ukraine during the conflict with Russia highlights its importance within the Alliance and its commitment to international security.
Secretary General Mark Rutte’s visit to Türkiye underscored the nation’s pivotal role in NATO and its contributions to maintaining regional security. The discussions highlighted the importance of Türkiye’s military capabilities and its ongoing support for international defense initiatives, particularly in the context of the conflict in Ukraine and the fight against terrorism. The visit further reinforced NATO’s commitment to collective security and cooperation among member states.
Original Source: www.nato.int
