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- October 18, 20263°
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- October 18, 20263°
Czech leader Pavel says Turkey is indispensable for NATO, Europe must be less dependent on the US
Czech President Petr Pavel stated that Turkey is a strategic and indispensable ally for NATO's collective security. Pavel emphasized that Europe must take full responsibility for its own conventional defense as the US focuses on other priorities.
Czech President Petr Pavel emphasized Turkey's critical importance for the alliance in a statement ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. Pavel said that due to its geographical location and military potential, Turkey is a strategic and indispensable ally for NATO's collective security.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, the Czech leader noted that Turkey is also an important partner for Czechia, and said that deepening bilateral relations in trade, investment, defense, security and science would take ties to a new level.
Defense industry cooperation expands
Pavel drew attention to the high level of development of the Czech and especially Turkish defense industries. Emphasizing his satisfaction with the expanding cooperation between companies in air defense and counter-drone technologies, Pavel noted that the bilateral defense partnership could develop on this basis.
The Czech President said, "Turkey, thanks to its geographical location and military potential, is a strategically important and indispensable ally for NATO's collective security. We appreciate its contribution to the alliance and look forward to strengthening our cooperation in the face of modern common security threats."
Europe must adapt to the US's shift in focus
Assessing the defense burden-sharing within NATO, Pavel stated that Europe must take more responsibility for its own defense and security. "We can no longer proceed from the assumption that someone else will always take on this responsibility for us," Pavel said, adding that a stronger European pillar means a stronger NATO.
Emphasizing that they must adapt to the reality that the US will increasingly focus on other priorities, the Czech leader said, "Europe must be ready not only to take greater responsibility for its own security, but also to assume full responsibility in the conventional domain. There must be no doubt about the deterrence and defense of every inch of allied territory."
Pavel recalled that the Czech government has committed to allocating at least 2 percent of GDP to defense this year and increasing that ratio to 3.5 percent by 2035. He pointed to the importance of political will and resources to implement these plans.
The Czech President added that maintaining support for Ukraine and achieving a lasting peace would be one of the main criteria for success.
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