NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Türkiye to discuss the country’s contributions to NATO’s collective security. Türkiye, boasting the second-largest army in NATO, was praised for its defense spending and commitment to international peacekeeping, including its role in Kosovo and strong support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. Rutte condemned terrorism in all forms and highlighted Türkiye’s efforts in combatting it, while also paying respects to Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.
During a recent diplomatic mission to Türkiye, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte engaged with prominent Turkish officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan, and National Defence Minister Yaşar Güler. This visit, dated 25 November 2024, underscored Türkiye’s significant contributions to NATO’s collective defense, as Rutte acknowledged Türkiye’s position as the Alliance’s second-largest army and its commitment to defense spending exceeding 2% of GDP.
Mr. Rutte extended his congratulations to Türkiye for concluding its command of the NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, emphasizing the importance of Turkish troop contributions in ensuring regional stability. The discussions also extended to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Rutte praised Türkiye’s support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities through the provision of military assistance and participation in diplomatic initiatives like the Black Sea Grain Deal.
Further dialogue between Rutte, Fidan, and Güler encompassed topics such as Türkiye’s contributions toward NATO security, cooperation in the defense industry, Middle Eastern stability, and counter-terrorism efforts. The Secretary General expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s pivotal role in combating terrorism as part of NATO’s mission in Iraq, while also extending condolences following a recent terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries facilities in Ankara, noting, “We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms.”
In a symbolic gesture, Mr. Rutte paid homage to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk by visiting his mausoleum, reinforcing the historical and diplomatic ties between Türkiye and NATO and acknowledging the legacy of Atatürk in shaping modern Türkiye.
NATO, established in 1949, is a military alliance aimed at ensuring collective defense and security among its members. Türkiye, being a key NATO member since 1952, plays a crucial role in various operations and missions. The country possesses the second-largest military force in the Alliance, significantly contributing to regional security and stability. The recent visit by Secretary General Mark Rutte highlights the ongoing cooperation between NATO and Türkiye, illustrating the strategic importance of the nation within the Alliance and its contributions to global peacekeeping efforts, particularly in context to conflicts such as those in Kosovo and Ukraine.
In summary, Secretary General Mark Rutte’s visit to Türkiye reaffirmed the essential role that the nation plays in NATO’s collective defense architecture. By addressing critical issues such as regional security, counter-terrorism, and support for Ukraine, the meetings underscored the collaborative spirit and strategic partnerships within the Alliance. Rutte’s acknowledgment of Türkiye’s military contributions and steadfastness in combating terrorism reflects NATO’s reliance on its member states to maintain international security and order.
Original Source: www.nato.int
