FM: Türkiye “privileged” to host NATO meeting in Antalya

Türkiye feels “very privileged” to host the NATO Informal Meeting of Foreign Ministers, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said to the press on the second day of the event at the NEST Congress Centre in Antalya.

Fidan emphasised the significance of holding such a key diplomatic meeting in Türkiye during a critical time for the Euro-Atlantic region, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media. 

“As Türkiye, we feel very privileged to hold this important meeting, especially at this very important and special time,” he stated.

Fidan highlighted the evolving security challenges in the region and noted that NATO foreign ministers would focus on defence industry cooperation and efforts to establish peace in Ukraine.

The minister stated that they will make preparations for the NATO Summit to be held in The Hague, Netherlands in June.

He also noted that discussions would span a broad agenda, including collective defence strategies and the future of NATO cooperation. A joint press conference is also expected to be held later in the day.

The two-days long informal meetings in Türkiye kicked off on May 14.  One of the main topics on the agenda is the revision of burden-sharing within the alliance and efforts to shape the future of European security. All 32 NATO member states are represented at the meeting, which is seen as a key preparatory step ahead of the NATO leaders' summit scheduled for June 24–25 in The Hague.

As a NATO member for over 70 years, Türkiye plays a crucial role in the alliance's defence strategy. The NATO Land Command (LANDCOM) is located in Türkiye, and the country also hosts the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Headquarters in Istanbul. Furthermore, Türkiye is among the leading contributors to NATO's command and force structure and continues to provide sustained support for the alliance's missions and operations.

By Sabina Mammadli