NATO hails Türkiye’s counter-terrorism efforts PHOTO

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has appreciated Türkiye’s counter-terrorism efforts as “a highly valued Ally”.

He made the remarks during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Istanbul on November 3, Caliber.Az reports, citing NATO’s website.

“Türkiye is a highly valued NATO Ally, making important contributions to our shared security. You play a major role in the fight against terrorism. Including in our mission in Iraq,” Stoltenberg stressed.

He thanked Tükiye, as well as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the efforts to reopen the grain corridor.

“I also commend Türkiye, and President Erdogan personally, for negotiating safe passage for Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, easing the global food crisis. I welcome the continuation of the UN grain agreement. And Türkiye’s efforts to maintain this life-line, on which hundreds of millions of people around the world depend,” the Secretary-General emphasized.

Stressing that Türkiye provides significant support to NATO's naval and air defences, Stoltenberg added that the Alliance also contributes to Türkiye's security by strengthening its air defences and providing air support to its navy in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

The Secretary-General pointed to the importance of the solidarity factor: "Our unity and solidarity are essential as we face the greatest security crisis in a generation."

He said that at the meeting the sides discussed the situation in the Aegean Sea, the fight against terrorism, the issue of Finnish and Swedish membership in NATO and the support to be given to Ukraine.