Türkiye Says NATO Adapting to New Security Challenges as US Reaffirms Alliance Commitment
Ankara — Türkiye’s Defense Minister Yasar Guler said the United States is not seeking to withdraw from NATO and that the alliance is adapting to an evolving security environment, ahead of a summit in Ankara expected to focus on defense spending, alliance unity and support for Ukraine.
In written responses to Reuters ahead of the July 7-8 NATO summit, Guler said the alliance remained the cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security and was adjusting to changing geopolitical conditions rather than facing an institutional crisis.
“NATO continues to be an unparalleled and fundamental platform for Euro-Atlantic security and defense. We evaluate the period we are going through not as a crisis, but as a process of adjusting to the changing security environment,” Guler said.
Türkiye will host leaders from the alliance’s 32 member states, along with representatives from Gulf countries and the Asia-Pacific region, as NATO seeks to strengthen cooperation amid growing security challenges.
The summit comes at a time of renewed debate within the alliance over burden-sharing, defense expenditure and Washington’s calls for European allies to assume a greater role in safeguarding regional security, including participation in efforts to reopen navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Guler said the United States remained committed to NATO but wanted European allies and Canada to shoulder a larger share of the responsibility for Europe’s defense.
He also said Türkiye should play a greater role in European defense initiatives, arguing that Ankara’s participation was essential to the continent’s long-term security architecture.
According to Guler, discussions at the summit will focus on reinforcing alliance cohesion, reviewing increased defense spending by member states, strengthening defense industry cooperation and sustaining support for Ukraine.
