Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged NATO allies on Wednesday to remove defence-industry restrictions among themselves, saying the alliance must avoid artificial divisions and strengthen cooperation at a critical moment for regional security.
Speaking at the opening of the NATO leaders’ summit in Ankara, Erdogan also called for the Iran issue to be resolved peacefully and said Turkey was ready to help clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Erdogan said restrictions among NATO allies on defence cooperation, especially in the defence industry, must be lifted.
He warned that excluding allies that are not members of the European Union from defence projects would create unnecessary divisions in Europe.
“At a time when a model of cooperation based on common sense and reason is possible, excluding allies that are not members of the European Union would lead to artificial divisions in Europe,” Erdogan said.
Turkey seeks role in European defence initiatives
Turkey has NATO’s second-largest army and has become a major developer and exporter of arms.
Ankara has repeatedly said it wants to join European security initiatives, including the SAFE funding scheme, but has so far been kept at arm’s length due to political and policy differences.
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Erdogan used the summit to press Turkey’s case for inclusion in Europe-only defence initiatives, saying NATO should not exclude allies outside the European Union from defence projects.
Possible shift on Turkey sanctions and F-35s
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump, sitting alongside Erdogan, said he would lift sanctions on Turkey and make a decision on a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Ankara.
Both decisions are expected to face resistance from the US Congress.
The remarks came as Turkey continued to push for a larger role in NATO’s defence industry and security planning.
Erdogan says NATO must be strengthened
Erdogan said the NATO alliance needed to be further strengthened. He urged European allies to improve their defence and security capabilities and said all members should take greater responsibility for the alliance’s defence.
However, he added that this responsibility should not come at the cost of NATO unity.
The Turkish president said Turkey was further increasing its defence spending. He said Ankara was on track to reach NATO’s 5% defence spending target by 2030.
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Erdogan also announced that Turkey had allocated an additional $24 billion for its “Steel Dome” air defence project, which is aimed at strengthening NATO’s air and missile defence capabilities.
Peaceful solution to Iran crisis
Erdogan also addressed the escalating Iran issue, saying it should be resolved peacefully. He praised President Trump’s efforts for peace and said diplomatic efforts remained important at a time of rising tensions in the region.
The Turkish president also said Ankara was ready to help with an operation to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.
