How Turkey Would React If Romania Was Attacked: Ambassador Explains Special Turco-Romanian Relations

Turkey maintains a firm position should Russia attack Romania, according to Turkey's Ambassador to Bucharest, Özgür Kıvanç Altan. In an interview with "Adevărul," Altan explained how Article 5 of the NATO treaty would be activated and detailed the unique military capabilities Ankara brings to NATO's Eastern Flank, extending beyond its well-known Bayraktar drones and Otokar armored vehicles.

Ambassador Altan described the bilateral relations between Turkey and Romania as having centuries-old roots, forming a solid foundation for current cooperation. He noted that both nations have been NATO allies since 2004, with Turkey being among the first to support Romania's accession to the alliance. The strategic partnership, formalized by a declaration signed in 2011 and strengthened by the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council launched in Ankara in 2024, is built on robust political dialogue, close economic ties, NATO solidarity, and a shared commitment to Black Sea security.

"We are neighbors on the Black Sea and we cooperate to ensure peace and security in our region," Altan stated. He characterized the current cooperation as comprehensive and fruitful, spanning military and defense industry collaboration, economic and trade partnerships, and cultural exchanges. The economic relationship remains a key driver, with bilateral trade reaching $13.4 billion in 2025, and a target of $15 billion set for the near future. Romania is also a significant destination for Turkish investments, estimated at around $14 billion.

“

Relațiile dintre Turcia și România datează de secole. Astăzi, relațiile noastre istorice, adânc înrădăcinate și, în mod tradițional, foarte bune, constituie o bază solidă pentru cooperarea noastră.

Defense, energy, connectivity, and regional security have emerged as increasingly vital pillars of the partnership. Altan also highlighted the role of the Turkish and Turkish-Tatar communities in Romania, who enjoy exemplary rights and freedoms within the Dobrujan model of coexistence, serving as a genuine bridge of friendship between the two nations.

The ambassador referenced recent high-level engagements, including the visit of Romania's President Nicușor Dan to Turkey for the flag-raising ceremony of a warship acquired by Romania from Turkey, and an important bilateral meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This marked the first official visit by a Romanian president to Turkey in a decade, with both leaders conveying strong messages about the level and future prospects of their bilateral relationship. President Erdoğan emphasized the new partnership in the defense industry.

“

Suntem vecini la Marea Neagră și colaborăm pentru a asigura pacea și securitatea în regiunea noastră.