Türkiye's NATO envoy says solidarity expected at Ankara summit

The NATO summit, hosted in Ankara from July 7 to 8, 2026, marked a pivotal moment in the alliance's evolution, as it grappled with shifting global dynamics and emerging security challenges. Nearly 50 high-level roundtables, panel discussions, and policy forums took place at the historic Ankara Palas under the banner of the "Allies in Ankara" Event Hub, drawing together allied officials, defense industry leaders, diplomats, and security experts. These gatherings aimed to address the alliance's most pressing strategic concerns, offering a platform for in-depth analysis and dialogue beyond the formal proceedings of the summit. Co-hosted by the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), the Munich Security Conference, and the Communication Directorate, the event underscored the growing importance of collaborative efforts in navigating the complex landscape of contemporary security.

The two-day program focused on a wide array of defense and security topics, including the alliance's eastern and southern flanks, defense industrial cooperation, interoperability, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, missile and drone threats, critical infrastructure protection, and cybersecurity. Discussions also extended to NATO's relationships with Gulf countries, the Black Sea region, and the Mediterranean, as well as matters related to defense spending, industrial capacity, food security, and connectivity initiatives aimed at enhancing Euro-Atlantic resilience. The event emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to security, incorporating both traditional military strategies and innovative technological solutions.

Participants included representatives from over 55 think tanks worldwide, alongside policymakers and specialists, who engaged in detailed conversations about the technical, strategic, and geopolitical aspects influencing NATO's agenda. Mustafa Caner, editor-in-chief of Kriter Magazine and a researcher at SETA, noted that while the leaders' summit is where political decisions are made, the "Allies in Ankara" conference serves as a critical venue for exploring feasibility, real-world applications, and technical specifics. He emphasized the value of these discussions in bridging the gap between high-level politics and actionable strategies, enabling experts to provide valuable insights that inform broader policy debates.

The event also saw active involvement from major Turkish defense companies such as ASELSAN and ROKETSAN, highlighting Turkey's expanding role in NATO's defense and security frameworks. Erman Akıllı, a researcher at SETA specializing in artificial intelligence and foreign policy, pointed out the significance of such side events in amplifying Turkey's strategic messages to a global audience. While the summit primarily brings together heads of state, foreign ministers, and senior officials, the conference offers a unique opportunity for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in meaningful exchanges that shape the direction of NATO's policies.

Ambassador Basat Öztürk, Türkiye's permanent representative to NATO, expressed confidence that the summit would demonstrate the strength of unity and solidarity among allies. He emphasized the importance of shared determination and collaboration, stressing that the success of the summit depended not only on political statements but also on tangible outcomes. Öztürk highlighted the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump at the summit, underscoring the symbolic weight of Turkey's leadership and the mutual respect between the two nations. He also reiterated the enduring relevance of NATO's Article 5 on collective defense, emphasizing the alliance's distinctive features, including its integrated military command structure and long-standing institutional experience.

Looking ahead, the summit is expected to lay the groundwork for a new era of NATO, often referred to as "NATO 3.0." This vision encompasses a broader scope of security concerns, ranging from defense industry production and artificial intelligence to energy security and societal resilience. As the world continues to evolve rapidly, the summit represents a critical step in redefining NATO's role in addressing contemporary challenges, reinforcing the alliance's adaptability and commitment to collective security.