Kurtulmuş: Turkey is ready to actively contribute to European defense

Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Numan Kurtulmuş met with academics, think tank representatives, and diplomatic mission members at a roundtable meeting organized by the Swedish Institute of International Affairs in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. Stating that the historical ties between the two countries gained a strategic dimension with Sweden's accession to NATO in 2024, Kurtulmuş made important assessments regarding uncertainties in the global security architecture, the new multipolar world order, and upcoming NATO summits.

THE WORLD IS EXPERIENCING A DEEPER TRANSFORMATION THAN A TEMPORARY TURBULENCE

Emphasizing that the world is witnessing one of the most critical breaking points in modern history, Speaker Kurtulmuş said that the crises experienced on a global scale are not limited to local conflicts. Stating that migration, the climate crisis, and rapid technological developments are reshaping the world in this period where sovereign rights are violated, Kurtulmuş expressed that single or bipolar systems have completed their lifespan, and the rules of the new multi-centered order have not yet become clear.

THE DISINTEGRATION OF THE GLOBAL SYSTEM: GAZA, UKRAINE, AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Devoting significant space in his speech to regional wars and humanitarian crises, Kurtulmuş stated that the Russia-Ukraine war, the climate of conflict imposed on Iran through the moves of Israel and the US, and the genocide in Gaza are the clearest indicators of the disintegration in the global system. Noting that stability cannot be achieved in the Middle East and the Gulf region unless a reliable regional security architecture is built, Kurtulmuş emphasized that the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and the West Bank is a test of conscience for humanity, and that law has begun to collapse as international institutions lose their functionality.

NATO SUMMITS IN TURKEY WILL BE STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES

Drawing attention to two major organizations that Turkey will host in the coming period regarding the security and defense of the European continent, the Speaker of the Parliament stated that the NATO Parliamentary Summit to be held in Istanbul on June 28-29 and the NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held in Ankara on July 7-8 are historic opportunities for the political unity of the alliance. He added that NATO should not only be a military deterrence organization but also develop a political vision that promotes fair and lasting peace.

EXCLUDING TURKEY'S PRESENCE IN EUROPE IS A DISCONNECTION FROM REALITY

Stating that Turkey observes the principles of dialogue, complementarity, inclusivity, and solidarity while contributing to European security, Kurtulmuş said, "Ensuring stability and security in Europe should be the common goal and responsibility of all Europeans. Discrimination is not in the interest of those who encourage it. History, geography, and geopolitics clearly show that Turkey is in Europe. Not accepting this reality means a lack of strategic vision and a disconnection from reality," expressing that Turkey also wants to use its strong ties with Asia, the Middle East, and Africa for a peace-oriented global geopolitical reach.