Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that his country was ready to assume greater responsibility for fairer burden-sharing within NATO, saying the alliance's summit in Ankara had laid the foundations for a stronger bloc.
Speaking at a news conference after the two-day summit, Erdogan said solidarity among NATO allies had been clearly demonstrated during the gathering.
He also said he had discussed expanding defence industry cooperation with US President Donald Trump, including potential collaboration on naval projects such as frigates, submarines and corvettes.
Erdogan said the United States had largely lifted defence sanctions imposed on Turkiye, signalling an improvement in ties between the two NATO allies.
The Turkish president met Trump at Ankara airport on Tuesday before the summit, with both leaders later holding talks during which they emphasised strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Trump later said he was prepared to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkiye, although he added that he had not yet made a final decision. The US president repeatedly praised Erdogan throughout the summit, underscoring a marked improvement in relations that had deteriorated during Trump's first term after Washington imposed sanctions on Ankara.
The warming ties come as both countries seek closer defence cooperation and greater coordination within NATO amid evolving global security challenges.
