NATO Leaders React to Erdoğan's Revolver Gifts

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented NATO leaders with an unusual farewell gift following the alliance's summit in Ankara: engraved Magnum .357 revolvers with live ammunition. The personalized gifts, featuring each recipient's name and the Turkish flag, were accompanied by permits to overcome arms export restrictions. The revolvers were presented in wooden boxes inscribed with 'Gümüşay, the first revolver pistol produced in our country.'

Reactions to the gift varied among the leaders. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had the revolver handed over to the German Embassy in Ankara, which will arrange its transport to Berlin for inclusion in the state collection of official gifts. German officials noted that strict rules govern gifts received by public officials, requiring them to be reported and their use determined by authorities.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's office reported that the weapon was transferred to the Ministry of the Interior. The revolver will be deactivated by the Guardia Civil, the Spanish Civil Guard responsible for firearms control. Similarly, Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro reportedly handed the revolver to the police for forensic analysis, with his office stating the weapon is with the police's Arms and Explosives Department.

Polish Secretary of State Marcin Przydacz indicated the revolver would be stored securely and handled with respect, confirming it had passed customs and all necessary checks. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever reportedly only realized the "exact nature" of the gift upon returning to Belgium and subsequently handed the revolver over to the police at the airport. Croatian President Zoran Milanović, commenting on the gift during a visit to Montenegro, humorously noted he only learned about the revolver that morning.