Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Ankara on Monday to address pressing security issues affecting the alliance.

Discussions focused on terrorism threats, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the escalating crisis in the Middle East, Rutte shared on X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized Türkiye's critical role within NATO, saying, "In an increasingly unpredictable world, Türkiye makes invaluable contributions to NATO."

The meeting, held at the Presidential Complex, was attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yaşar Güler. The Turkish Presidency described the visit as significant, marking Rutte's first official trip to Türkiye since assuming the NATO chief role in October.

Fidan also held separate talks with Rutte, the Turkish Foreign Ministry confirmed.

Rutte, a former Dutch prime minister, succeeded Jens Stoltenberg as NATO’s 14th secretary-general, bringing fresh perspectives to the alliance's leadership.

Türkiye, a NATO member since 1952, continues to play a pivotal role in regional and global security discussions. (ILKHA)