In his remarks to Daily Sabah about the NATO Leaders Summit to be held in London, Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun indicated that Turkey's most basic expectation from NATO allies was that they stood by Turkey in its fight against terrorism.
Pointing to Turkey’s vital role in the Alliance, Altun noted:
"Turkey’s most basic expectation from NATO allies is that they stand by Turkey in its fight against terrorism. Rhetoric that does not match the spirit and goal of the NATO alliance harms member countries' relations. NATO allies' statements that do not match with the spirit of the alliance also disappoint the Turkish nation as Turkey is currently struggling with terrorist threats.”
Referring to the statements of some NATO member states regarding Turkey’s operation in Syria, Altun stated the following: “The goal of Turkey's operation in Syria is to thwart the terror corridor that is trying to be created on its border. Turkey has no other hidden agenda in Syria or in any other country. The fact that the YPG is an affiliate of the PKK terrorist organization is no secret to NATO members. NATO member states should know that supporting another terrorist group which is the PKK/YPG in order to defeat DEASH terrorist organization would bring negative consequences to the region.”
“Turkey will continue to provide all kinds of assistance to the alliance in the face of joint challenges”
Altun underlined the need for a joint struggle against joint terrorist threats, and continued: “Today, NATO faces many criticisms and is seen as ineffective in solving the alliance's problems. However, overcoming these criticisms depends on the dedication and sincerity of the members. As a strategic member of NATO, Turkey will provide all kinds of assistance to the alliance in the face of joint challenges. NATO Alliance will become stronger when member states act on the alliance spirit rather than their own interests.”
Altun also made the following comments on the recent discussions about NATO’s role:
"Turkey does not believe that NATO is experiencing 'brain death' as some NATO member countries leaders have recently claimed. Turkey emphasizes that joint steps have to be taken regarding the rightful security concerns of every member country in the alliance.
Thus we believe that in accordance with its founding purpose and principles, NATO must operate as an active mechanism in the face of the security problems today. We think that it is possible to meet the reform and revision needs of NATO that have arisen over time in the alliance with regard to the joint interests and security of member states. We call on all members of the strategic alliance to act sensibly, logically and coherently.”
Altun also stated the following about the meetings President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will have on the sidelines of the NATO Leaders Summit: “President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and hold a quadrilateral meeting with France, Germany and UK.
Our President will also have meetings with the Spanish Prime Minister, Greek Prime Minister and the President of the EU Council."