NATO Cooperation
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has firmly stated that any attempts to collaborate with Israel within NATO are deemed unacceptable.
Speaking after the NATO leaders’ summit in Washington, D.C., Erdogan emphasized that Israel’s current administration, which he accused of disregarding fundamental alliance values, cannot maintain a partnership with NATO.
He pointedly criticized Israel for ongoing “atrocities” in Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza, citing what he described as expansionist and reckless policies posing regional security risks.
Erdogan asserted that until a sustainable peace is achieved in Palestine, Turkey will not endorse NATO cooperation with Israel.
He urged the international community to support a two-state solution based on 1967 borders and applauded increasing international recognition of Palestine, while calling for more countries to file complaints against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Regarding Gaza, Erdogan expressed Turkey’s readiness to act as a guarantor for a ceasefire and subsequent permanent peace efforts.
He urged NATO allies to exert pressure on Israel to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, which has suffered severe devastation and humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflicts.
Erdogan also criticized NATO allies for what he termed a “crooked relationship” with the PYD/YPG, Kurdish groups linked to the PKK, a designated terrorist organization in Turkey.
He emphasized the importance of solidarity in combating terrorism, an imperative shared by NATO, and called for policies aligning with alliance principles.
Turning to international relations, Erdogan revealed plans for Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to engage with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to restore bilateral ties.
He underscored Turkey’s active role in diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war, emphasizing support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and opposing NATO involvement in the conflict.
Regarding defense matters, Erdogan discussed procurement issues with US President Joe Biden, particularly concerning F-16 fighter jets.
He highlighted ongoing negotiations following recent contracts for F-16 acquisitions from the US.
In terms of regional alliances, Erdogan expressed Turkey’s ambition to become a permanent member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeking support from SCO member states for this objective.
Lastly, Erdogan proposed Istanbul as a future host city for a NATO summit, following the Netherlands’ scheduled 2025 summit, suggesting Istanbul as a fitting venue to project global unity through NATO.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
