Rutte praises Türkiye's military strength, strategic importance to NATO

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte lauded Türkiye's significant role within the alliance, emphasizing its military strength and strategic location ahead of the NATO leaders' summit in Ankara. Rutte described Türkiye as a vital contributor to collective defense, pointing to its robust armed forces and burgeoning defense industry.

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Türkiye plays a very important role in defense. It has one of NATO's best armed forces.

Speaking at a news conference, Rutte stated, "Türkiye plays a very important role in defense. It has one of NATO's best armed forces." He also commended the country's defense industry for its substantial progress over the last decade, noting its crucial role in supplying necessary capabilities to the alliance. "There are thousands of companies in Türkiye producing everything NATO needs," Rutte added.

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There are thousands of companies in Türkiye producing everything NATO needs.

The NATO chief further underscored Türkiye's value due to its strategic position at the intersection of Europe, the Black Sea, and the Middle East. "Your location on the map, your geographical position and your leadership are all important," he remarked. Rutte reiterated that Türkiye's contributions extend beyond geography, citing its increasing defense production capacity and consistent participation in NATO operations.

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Your location on the map, your geographical position and your leadership are all important.

Rutte expressed pleasure that Türkiye was hosting the summit, which convenes leaders from all 32 member states to address defense spending, transatlantic security, and support for Ukraine. He concluded by calling Türkiye an indispensable ally for NATO's future security.

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We are very pleased that Türkiye is hosting this summit.