Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a bilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the margins of the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, focusing on alliance priorities including defense spending, regional security, and preparations for the high-level gathering.

The encounter took place as NATO leaders convened in Türkiye’s capital for the two-day summit (July 7–8, 2026), hosted at the Presidential Complex. This marks the second time Türkiye has hosted a NATO summit, following the 2004 Istanbul gathering.

According to statements from both sides, the ministers discussed the strategic importance of NATO allies meeting their defense spending commitments to strengthen collective capabilities and boost transatlantic defense production. They also reviewed broader preparations for the summit, including support for Ukraine and other regional issues.

Rubio emphasized the continued need for all allies to fulfill their obligations, a recurring theme pushed by the U.S. administration. Photos from the event captured Fidan and Rubio engaging in discussions alongside other officials.

The meeting underscores the close coordination between Türkiye and the United States within NATO, particularly amid ongoing transatlantic efforts to enhance deterrence, address security challenges, and support Ukraine. It builds on previous engagements between the two diplomats.

No further details on additional outcomes were immediately released, but the discussion fits into the summit’s broader agenda of increasing allied defense investment and industrial cooperation.

This engagement comes as President Donald Trump and other leaders attend the summit, with expectations of announcements on new defense deals and burden-sharing. (ILKHA)