President Erdoğan spoke at the opening of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit.

The highlights of President Erdoğan’s statements are as follows:

As Türkiye, we have taken measures to increase the rate of our defense expenditures to 3.5 percent before 2030. We have already reached a 1.5 percent budget share in expenditures related to security and durability. Thus, we aim to reach the 5 percent target 5 years before 2035, determined in The Hague.

“WE ALLOCATED A BUDGET OF 24 BILLION DOLLARS FOR OUR STEEL DOME PROJECT”

Undoubtedly, the real success of our country lies in the breakthrough in the defense industry. We are among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of production and export capacity. We will have met almost all of the 361 talent targets allocated to us in the alliance within 3 years, before the committed date. With our Steel Dome project, we allocated an additional budget of 24 billion dollars for air and missile defense capabilities, the lack of which is felt the most in our alliance.

As the country with the largest land army in Europe, we strive to put our capabilities at the service of the Alliance when needed. We are one of the leading allies contributing to the Alliance’s operations, missions and exercises in Kosovo, the Black Sea, the Baltics and other geographies. As an ally that successfully uses UAVs and UCAVs in real battlefields, we hope to accredit our Center of Excellence for Countering Unmanned Systems, which we envision to be established, to NATO. I believe that this center will support our response capability, especially against air and sea drone threats.

President Erdoğan’s emphasis on defense in the opening speech of the 36th NATO Summit: “Türkiye has made a breakthrough in defense” | Video

“RESTRAINTS BETWEEN ALLIES MUST BE REMOVED”

In order to achieve the NATO 3.0 goal as soon as possible, I would like to draw particular attention to the following two issues: The first is the removal of restrictions between allies in defense cooperation, especially in the defense industry. He welcomes the fact that this message was highlighted by both industry and government officials at the Defense Industry Forum. Secondly, as European allies, we must take on greater responsibility for continental defense while avoiding actions that could weaken the integrity of the Alliance and transatlantic relations. Here, I would especially like to address our allies who are members of the European Union. Maximum benefit in the Union’s efforts in the field of security can only be achieved by avoiding unnecessary duplications with NATO.

“WE WILL GUIDE RUSSIA TO PEACE”

While a cooperation model dictated by reason and logic is possible, the exclusion of allies who are not members of the union will lead to wasted limited resources and an artificial division in Europe, which we do not want at all. It is clear that this attitude does not serve the Transatlantic Defense Industrial Infrastructure that the Secretary General pointed out. I share Mr. Trump’s vision of peace in the Ukraine War and declare my support for Ukraine’s priority needs lists initiative. In addition to the military support we provide to Ukraine from our own national inventory, we will continue our contribution within the scope of Puer El access. While we support Ukraine, we also use our communication channels to guide Russia towards peace.

“WE ARE READY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CLEANING OF MINES”

I appreciate the determined attitude of my friend Mr. Trump in helping to resolve the Iranian crisis, despite the sabotage attempts. In addition to our diplomatic efforts, we are ready to make the necessary contribution to clearing the Strait of Hormuz of mines. On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to America and Spain, especially Germany and Italy, who deployed additional air defense batteries, for the support provided by NATO elements against the missiles targeting Türkiye.

“WE ALL HAVE A DUTY IN GAZA AND LEBANON”

I attach importance to the fact that our partners from the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative are with us today, as I believe it is essential for us to increase our participation. I emphasize once again that the key to lasting peace in the Middle East is the two-state solution. I would like to express that we all have a duty to ensure peace, especially in Gaza and Lebanon. Finally, I remind you that we must be in full solidarity in the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism, I hope that the Ankara Summit will be beneficial, and I would like to thank those who contributed to the preparations of the summit.

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, at the “Allies in Ankara” event, organized within the scope of the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit, in cooperation with the Presidential Directorate of Communications, Munich Security Conference (MSC) and the Foundation for Politics, Economics and Social Research (SETA).
participated in the programme. Speaking here, Güler said, “While most of Europe was downsizing its armed forces after the Cold War, Turkey increased its preparedness level, invested in the defense industry and maintained its ability to operate in difficult environments. The continuity enjoyed with these broad opportunities and capabilities has turned into a strategic advantage for both Turkey and the Alliance today.” Güler said, “We welcome Europe’s stronger contribution to defense. However, this contribution should not compete with NATO, but should strengthen NATO. European security initiatives should be open to all non-EU NATO allies with relevant capabilities. Excluding Türkiye will not make Europe safer. Our expectation is clear. NATO-EU cooperation should be inclusive, integrative and mutually reinforcing. For a stronger, more realistic and more balanced NATO, the equal participation of all Allies and the equal participation of all Allies. “It is necessary to take full advantage of its capabilities,” he said.

Within the scope of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit, the “Towards the Summit” panel was held within the scope of the “Allies in Ankara” program organized in cooperation with the Presidential Directorate of Communications, Munich Security Conference (MSC) and the Foundation for Politics, Economics and Social Research (SETA). The “Towards the Summit” panel held at Ankara Palas was attended by Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) Turkish Delegation Chairman and AK Party Antalya Deputy Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, British MP Stuart Anderson, US Senator Mike Rounds, US Senate NATO Observation Group Co-Chair and Foreign Relations Committee Senior Member Jeanne Shaheen and Slovakian MP Tomas Valasek. In his speech here, Çavuşoğlu stated that Türkiye’s role will not only be limited to hosting the NATO Summit, but will also continue to serve as a mediator. Shaheen, on the other hand, stated that Americans’ support for NATO is at its peak, and that the defense expenditures of 32 allies have reached 2 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and are moving towards the 5 percent target.

Before the 36th NATO Leaders’ Summit to be held today, the heads of government and state of the alliance member countries landed in Ankara one after the other yesterday. The first person to arrive in the capital as part of the summit was NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte the day before.

In addition to US President Donald Trump, who was welcomed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the leaders who will attend the summit started to arrive in Ankara. Members of the Presidential Cabinet welcomed the heads of state and government separately.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as well as South Korea, Ukraine, North Macedonia,

Heads of state and government who will represent Estonia, Montenegro, Canada, Latvia, Finland, Netherlands, Croatia, Czechia, Bulgaria, Sweden, Albania, Iceland, Luxembourg, Hungary, Denmark, Slovenia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Romania, Poland, Belgium, Norway and Greece at the summit also came to Ankara. Towards the evening, the number of leaders who came to Ankara reached 30.

WELCOME WITH THE MEHTER MARCH
President Erdoğan and his wife Emine Erdoğan hosted a reception and official dinner at the Presidential Complex in honor of the heads of state and government and their spouses who came to Ankara within the scope of the NATO Summit. The leaders arrived at the ceremony reception area at the Presidential Complex with their official vehicles. The guests walked up the stairs accompanied by the marches played by the Janissary band. The leaders, who were welcomed one by one by President Erdoğan and First Lady Erdoğan, took a family photo and then went to the hall where the official dinner was held. While NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte was the first to arrive at the reception, the last guest was US President Trump. The Erdoğan couple had a friendly conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron. While President Erdoğan went to the dining hall with US President Trump, other heads of state and government were welcomed by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. The reception at the Social Complex witnessed warm dialogues and diplomatic contacts where leaders came together.

ALLIES MUST DO THEIR PART

NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska stated that the NATO Summit is expected to be “a turning point” for the alliance and said that all allies should do their part. Shekerinska spoke at the program organized within the scope of the “NATO Summit Dialogues” event held in Ankara. Pointing out that they expected the summit to be a turning point for the alliance, Shekerinska said, “Last year’s summit in The Hague was not easy, because we had to commit to much stronger investments and expenditures in our defense field.

We made brave and historic decisions, but now in Ankara, we will show the even more important part. “In other words, we will show how we will turn these promises and commitments into concrete results and how we will fulfill the commitments we have made,” she said. Stating that the summit in question will be about “a change of mentality”, Shekerinska noted that the aim is to strengthen collective defense and to have a stronger Europe in a stronger alliance in line with the “NATO 3.0” vision.

In the statement made by the Ministry, it was stated that FTA negotiations were initiated between Türkiye and Canada during the meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney within the scope of the NATO Summit held in Ankara.

The statement reminded that last month, Minister of Commerce Ömer Bolat and Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu published the “Joint Ministerial Declaration” stating that negotiations for a comprehensive FTA had been initiated between the two countries, and the following statements were made:

“THE AIM IS TO FURTHER DEEPENING THE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP”

“With the statement they made today, the leaders of the two countries have ordered the official start of FTA negotiations, aiming to further deepen the economic partnership between Turkey and Canada. Turkey and Canada are moving to the next stage with the initiation of negotiations for a comprehensive, modern and mutually beneficial FTA.”

In the statement, it was emphasized that intensive efforts will be made for an agreement that will support Türkiye’s economic growth, contribute to employment creation, increase competitiveness, strengthen global supply chains and improve economic cooperation with Canada.

“In the coming weeks, the technical teams of both countries will carry out the necessary work to determine the scope and objectives of the agreement and prepare for the first round of negotiations. The authorities of both countries have started the necessary preparations for a high-quality comprehensive agreement.”

NATO has published the estimated defense expenditure data of member countries for 2026.

Accordingly, it is predicted that the total defense expenditures of NATO member countries will increase by approximately 11 percent compared to the previous year and reach 1 trillion 809 billion 915 million dollars in 2026.

This figure was at the level of 1 trillion 482 billion 905 million dollars in 2024 and 1 trillion 629 billion 630 million dollars in 2025.

THE USA WILL UNDERTAKE 57 PERCENT OF THE ALLIANCE’S TOTAL EXPENDITURES ON IT’S OWN

This year, the USA will spend the most on defense among NATO countries. The USA is expected to undertake approximately 57 percent of the alliance’s total expenditures alone, with defense expenditures of 1 trillion 32 billion 849 million dollars in 2026.

The USA will be followed by Germany with 147 billion dollars, England with 110 billion dollars, France with 80 billion dollars, Italy with 57 billion dollars, Poland with 53 billion dollars and Canada with 52 billion dollars. It is estimated that Türkiye’s defense expenditure in 2026 will be at the level of 48 billion dollars.

According to data, the basic defense expenditures of the 5 NATO member countries are expected to constitute more than 3.5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) this year.

Lithuania will take the first place in the ratio of defense expenditures to GDP with 5.33 percent. Lithuania will be followed by Estonia with 5.1 percent, Latvia with 4.92 percent, Poland with 4.68 percent, Greece with 3.65 percent, Denmark with 3.49 percent and Sweden with 3.22 percent.

The ratio of Türkiye’s defense expenditures to GDP is expected to be 2.85 percent in 2026.

In the same period, the NATO average is expected to be 2.86 percent, with the USA spending 3.17 percent, Germany 2.69 percent, France 2.22 percent, the UK 2.56 percent and Italy 2.10 percent.

Among NATO members, the country that will allocate the lowest share of national income to defense is expected to be Slovenia with 1.61 percent, followed by Belgium and Spain with 2 percent.

It is predicted that in 2026, 17 NATO members will achieve the target of 1.5 percent of GDP for defense and security-related investments.

At the summit held in The Hague in 2025, NATO leaders agreed to allocate 3.5 percent of GDP for basic defense expenditures by 2035, and an additional 1.5 percent of GDP for defense and security-related investments such as civil preparedness and resilience, supporting innovation, protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening the defense industry.