Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on Tuesday, discussing Türkiye’s role in the alliance, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and pressing regional and global issues.

During the meeting, President Erdoğan underscored Türkiye’s strong commitment to NATO, announcing that the country will once again assume command of the NATO Kosovo Force as a testament to its dedication. He emphasized the importance of allied cooperation in combating terrorism, stating that Türkiye expects robust support from NATO partners in this effort. “Türkiye will continue to do its utmost to ensure NATO remains strong despite internal and external challenges,” Erdoğan affirmed.

On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Erdoğan highlighted Türkiye’s intensified diplomatic efforts to broker a lasting and just peace. He revealed recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reiterating Türkiye’s support for a comprehensive ceasefire. “Türkiye maintains its stance of not being a party to this war,” he said, urging all sides to seize the opportunity for peace.

The meeting was attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Chief Foreign Policy and Security Advisor Akif Çağatay Kılıç, signaling the high-level focus on the discussions.

The talks come amid heightened global tensions and underscore Türkiye’s strategic role as a NATO member navigating complex regional dynamics, including its mediation efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war and its contributions to alliance operations. (ILKHA)