Erdogan: Ankara expects NATO to consider Turkiye's national security risks

REGION  18 May 2022 - 15:18

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Ankara expects its NATO allies to consider and support Turkiye's national security requirements.

He made the remarks at a meeting of the ruling party parliamentary faction held in Ankara on May 18, Caliber.Az reports, quoting the Anadolu Agency.

The president noted that the NATO bloc today seeks to strengthen its Eastern flank against the background of the Russia-Ukraine war.

"NATO expansion is significant to the extent that Turkey's interests are respected," Erdogan said.

The Turkish leader described as unacceptable attempts to downplay NATO's importance in the security sphere.

"How can (Sweden - ed) expect Ankara to support its NATO membership without providing terrorists to Ankara? Turkiye is one of the countries that contributes the most to NATO missions. However, this does not imply that we will unconditionally support any initiative," the president added.

Erdogan noted that the only thing Ankara expects from NATO allies is respect for steps to ensure Turkiye's border security.

"Our country has always met its obligations within the North Atlantic Alliance framework. At the same time, expecting Turkiye to support the NATO membership application while also assisting terrorists, in our opinion, is an indicator of inconsistency," the president said.

The Turkish leader added that a delegation was planning to arrive in Ankara on Monday [May 16] to discuss NATO expansion.

"Terrorists and their associates are still freely roaming the streets of Sweden. We cannot say yes. Therefore, you should not bother and come," Erdogan said.

Caliber.Az