Erdoğan: When delivered, the world will say 'the US kept its word'

Key highlights from Erdoğan's statements are as follows:

We have just successfully concluded the NATO Summit, which we hosted in our capital for the first time, and which is the second one held in our country after a 22-year interval.

This historic summit, which we hosted at a time when Euro-Atlantic security is being tested, was conducted in a manner that will shape our common future. We have laid the foundations in Ankara for a stronger NATO, where European allies will assume more responsibility within the Alliance and our military capabilities will be fortified through fair burden-sharing.

First of all, I would like to express one point here. As Turkey, we have not benefited from the peace dividend of the post-Cold War era as much as our European friends. Many crises and conflicts took place in our vicinity. We fought against threats in our region, especially terrorism. There were times when we were left alone and subjected to injustice. Therefore, we often had to fend for ourselves. But today, we are far ahead of many allies in terms of defense spending, military capabilities, and the defense industry that forms the basis for these.

THANKS TO TRUMP FROM ERDOĞAN

At our summit, we focused on the implementation of the commitments made in The Hague last year. Secretary General Mr. Rutte also presented the progress made by the allies with figures. We also took this opportunity to concretize our multi-dimensional contributions to the Alliance, which will be increased gradually.

The spirit of solidarity among allies was clearly manifested at the NATO Ankara Summit. All allies participated in the summit at the leadership level. We see this as new proof of the trust placed in Turkey and the prestige of our diplomacy. As you know, President Trump also emphasized during his participation in the summit that our country's hosting was decisive. It was also meaningful that he underlined our personal friendship. It was valuable to us. We thank my dear friend once again for his sensitivity.

We have been a member of NATO since 1952. We are a great nation whose Land Forces have a history spanning over 2,235 years, woven stitch by stitch with glorious victories. By becoming a member of NATO, we brought to the Alliance not only our geostrategic position at the heart of three continents but also our art of war, which has matured on battlefields for two thousand years.

TURKEY HAS PROPERLY PROTECTED THE TRUST

The security of NATO's southeastern flank has been largely entrusted to our country. Turkey has properly protected this trust. We have been an ally that has always fulfilled its duties within the Alliance properly, taken responsibility for this cause, and paid the price when necessary. We are among the countries that contribute the most to NATO's operations, missions, and common funds.

In this new era of the Alliance, which once again centers on collective defense, we are ready to assume more responsibility regarding fair burden-sharing. Our F-16 aircraft will be stationed in Estonia starting in August as part of the NATO Air Policing Mission. The Security and Defense Partnership Document signed between Turkey and the United Kingdom on the occasion of the summit is important in this respect. The figures spent and the resources allocated to defense are of course important. However, true deterrence is provided by three-dimensional depth consisting of superior technology, sufficient scale, and sustainable production. In the new era, these capabilities will be the strongest pillars of both deterrence and resilience.

The great leap our country has made in the field of defense industry over the last 23 years is known to everyone. As Turkey, we are one of the rare allies that produces its own fighter jets, its own tanks, its own ships, and develops its own air defense systems. We rank high in the world in unmanned aerial vehicles, naval vehicles, and warships. While equipping our army with domestic capabilities, we also support our allies with the defense industry products we export.

"NATO MUST BE AN ALLIANCE OF ALLIES THAT STRENGTHEN EACH OTHER"

As I stated in my speech this morning, the European Union's initiatives in the field of defense should be complementary to NATO and should not lead to unnecessary duplication. I bring this important issue to the attention of our allies and the European Union leadership at every opportunity and on every platform. It is a fact that if allies who are not members of the European Union, such as Turkey, are not fully included in the Union's initiatives in the field of defense, the impact of these initiatives will be very limited. On the other hand, although some obstacles to the trade of defense industry products between allies have decreased, they still continue. These need to be removed as soon as possible, without any ifs or buts. We ensured that this issue was also specifically emphasized in the summit declaration.

I must underline this once again: NATO must be an alliance of allies that strengthen each other, not of countries that are dependent on each other. Through the Defense Industry Forum, which we hosted within the scope of the summit, the Ankara Strategy regarding NATO developing closer cooperation with the defense sector was accepted by the allies.

DREW ATTENTION TO THE THREAT OF TERRORISM

Terrorism is one of the two main threats to NATO. We discussed the steps that can be taken in this regard at all our recent summits. At the Ankara Summit, we once again emphasized the importance of allies being in sincere solidarity in the fight against terrorism.

In our meetings, we also discussed the effects of the war in Ukraine, which is entering its fifth year. Tens of thousands of casualties are being suffered every month in this battle, which has now turned into a war of attrition. As Turkey, we have pointed to dialogue and diplomacy for a solution since the beginning of the war.

I offer my deepest gratitude to all my fellow citizens of Ankara who have once again shown the greatness of our country and the hospitality of the Turkish nation to the world.

Hopefully, we will host two more major summits before the end of 2026. We will hold the 13th Leaders' Summit of the Organization of Turkic States on October 29-30, again here in our capital, Ankara. Immediately after, we will organize the COP31 Climate Summit in Antalya on November 19-20.

STATEMENTS BY NETANYAHU AND MITSOTAKIS

Neither statement has a place in my world. Because it is clear in which waters Netanyahu is swimming. Mr. Mitsotakis, on the other hand, should not have fallen into such a mistake.

Have we ever criticized Mr. Mitsotakis to date regarding the defense equipment he purchased for Greece, asking "Why did you buy these?" or "Why are you buying them?" No. Even though he is our next-door neighbor. Of course, we could have had the opportunity to say such a thing. However, we did not feel the need to.

Greece can buy, it can sell. Turkey, on the other hand, is already producing these today. Besides producing, it of course has the right to purchase.

"KEEP WATCHING US"

President Erdoğan responded to a question about the F-35s by saying, "Keep watching us." Stating that US President Trump has a positive approach, President Erdoğan said, "When delivered, the world will say 'the US kept its word'."

Stating that he had previously discussed the issue of F110 engine supply for KAAN with Trump, Erdoğan said, "They showed a positive approach, hopefully there will be no problems."

STEEL DOME ISSUE

The Steel Dome Project will also be one of NATO's strongest defense elements in the region where we are located. We have taken all our steps in this regard. Turkey is making more progress every day with the Steel Dome. We have displayed these to the public from time to time, we are displaying them, and we will continue to display them. If some have different domes in their hands, we have the Steel Dome.

THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL QUESTION

I share the same thought as Mitsotakis, especially regarding solving the problems in the Aegean Sea. Hopefully, our foreign ministers will meet in the first stage, and then if necessary, we will sit at the table and discuss this issue. But let me say this clearly and plainly: solving problems is primarily the duty of leaders. I share the same thought on this matter.

I DO NOT SAY "THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE SOLVED"

A fairer world is possible. We need to work for this. For this, politicians who think, implement, and take steps in this regard must continue their march decisively. I do not say, "This problem cannot be solved." On the contrary, I say we will solve it. Hopefully, we will take this step together. Among those who need to take this step, all politicians in the world, especially Mr. Trump, need to put their hearts and hands into this issue. Those who are concerned about peace should contribute to this work.