NATO Leaders Puzzled by Turkish President's Gift of Engraved Revolvers

NATO leaders attending a summit in Ankara received an unusual parting gift from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: antique revolvers, complete with ammunition and their names engraved.

The gifts, intended to highlight Turkey's growing defense industry, included what appears to be a Gümüşay .357 Magnum revolver, a model produced in the 1990s by Turkish company MKE. The firearms were presented in wooden display cases featuring the Turkish flag and NATO logo, along with a plaque in Turkish and English.

However, the gesture led to confusion and logistical challenges for some leaders. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo's revolver and ammunition were handed over to airport police for safekeeping, with no decision yet made on its final status. Polish President Andrzej Duda's advisor stated the revolver was awaiting customs clearance at Warsaw airport and would be stored securely.

Officials from the Dutch and Swedish prime ministers' offices reported their revolvers were transferred to their respective country's embassies in Ankara. The Dutch gift was reportedly to be disabled, while the Swedish revolver awaited import documentation. A German government spokesperson confirmed their revolver was handed to the embassy for proper import and inventory as an official gift.

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This is an unusual situation, but we are treating it as a sign of respect for the guests. All legal regulations will be respected. The gift is at the airport to ensure it legally clears customs and avoids any problems. It will then be placed in appropriate storage. It will also be respected as a gift from the President of Turkey to the Republic of Poland.