Ankara: The Turkish Defense Minister, Yasar Gler, has stated that excluding Turkey from European security considerations will not enhance the continent's safety. Gler emphasized that Turkey's strategic military capabilities, defense industry, and pivotal location make it an essential component of international security. Speaking at the "Allies in Ankara" program, coinciding with the NATO summit, Gler outlined Turkey's integral role in the NATO framework for collective defense, political solidarity, and transatlantic unity.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Gler highlighted that the current primary challenge is to re-establish credible collective defense while ensuring NATO remains capable of managing crises and addressing threats from all directions. He stressed that burden-sharing in the Alliance must consider operational risks, geographical factors, readiness levels, mission contributions, industrial capacity, and crisis management abilities.
Gler pointed out that the reorganization of American military presence in Europe underscores the need for redistributing responsibilities within NATO. He noted that unlike most European countries, Turkey maintained a robust military force post-Cold War and invested heavily in its defense industries.
The minister stated that Turkey's existing military structure and operational experience allow it to contribute immediately to NATO efforts. He emphasized Turkey's capacity to bridge readiness gaps, bolster deterrence on multiple fronts, and respond swiftly to crises, highlighting that Turkey has the second-largest and one of the most efficient armies within NATO.
Turkey's active participation in NATO missions and operations across various regions was also underscored by Gler. He addressed defense spending, asserting that deterrence extends beyond financial investment to include trained personnel, ammunition, logistics, cyber resilience, industrial capacity, and political will.
Gler expressed support for a stronger European contribution to defense, provided it complements rather than competes with NATO. He argued for the inclusion of non-EU NATO allies like Turkey in European security initiatives, citing Turkey's military capabilities, defense advancements, and strategic location as assets that enhance European security.
He stressed the importance of comprehensive cooperation between NATO and the European Union, indicating that such collaboration should mutually reinforce both organizations. Gler described the Ankara summit as a pivotal event addressing the Alliance's unity, defense investments, objectives, and sustainability of deterrence.
As the 36th NATO Summit commenced in Ankara, 22 years after Turkey last hosted the event, Gler reiterated Turkey's commitment to NATO's defense and deterrence efforts, emphasizing Turkey's role in the Alliance's transformation during challenging times.