- BIST10011,722-2.89%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,181.10+0.26%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,447-0.07%
- October 17, 20269°
- BIST10011,722-2.89%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,181.10+0.26%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,447-0.07%
- October 17, 20269°
NATO Parliamentary Assembly Secretary General Berti says Turkey is a strong ally
NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) Secretary General Benedetta Berti said Turkey is one of the strongest allies of the Alliance with its defense resources, military capacity and contribution to operations. Berti also emphasized that Turkish parliamentarians play an extremely active role in the Assembly's work.
NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) Secretary General Benedetta Berti stated that Turkey is one of the strong allies of the Alliance thanks to its defense resources, existing military capabilities and contributions to NATO operations. Berti also highlighted that Turkish parliamentarians play an extremely active role in the Assembly's work.
Berti made assessments ahead of the NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held in Ankara on July 7-8 and the NATO Parliamentary Summit to be held in Istanbul on June 28-29.
Security environment at its 'most complex and dangerous' level
Noting that NATO is at a very important stage in its development, Berti said the following about the security situation: "As stated in the latest NATO Strategic Concept adopted by Allies in 2022, we face the most complex and dangerous security environment since the end of the Cold War."
Stating that they face constant hybrid threats, from the war in Ukraine to sabotage, from cutting undersea cables to destabilization campaigns, Berti emphasized that instability prevails in the geography extending from the Middle East to the Alliance's eastern neighborhood region.
Berti stated that NATO's current position is stronger than ever since the end of the Cold War, saying, "We have new defense plans. European allies and Canada have invested an additional 1 trillion dollars in defense since 2017. So the data shows we are getting stronger, but we must also recognize that the security environment is extremely unstable and volatile."
Turkey is a strong ally in three basic criteria
Benedetta Berti pointed to Turkey's importance in this security environment: "Turkey has been a NATO ally since 1952, for more than 70 years. Therefore, it is one of the founding members of the Alliance. As NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recalled during his visit to Turkey, Turkey spends more than 2 percent of its GDP on defense and has incredible defense potential."
Stating that the Turkish army is equipped with the latest technologies, Berti said that financial resources and capacity are of great importance for NATO. Berti said, "Turkey makes significant contributions to many NATO missions and operations, from the Western Balkans to the fight against terrorism within the framework of the NATO mission in Iraq, to strengthening deterrence and defense capability. At NATO, we focus on three basic criteria: resources, capacity and contribution. It is clearly seen that Turkey is a strong ally in all three areas."
Critical summit hosted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly
Also touching on inter-parliamentary cooperation, Berti stated that there is a very strong Turkish parliamentary delegation in the Assembly. Emphasizing that Turkish deputies actively participate in the work, Berti said, "We are going to Istanbul in a few days. With the support of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), we will hold a summit where the parliamentary speakers of all NATO member countries will come together. This is an indication of how active a role Turkey plays in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly."
Stating that his main expectation from the Ankara Summit is a transition to "implementation," Berti said the first test of the historic decision taken by allies last year to increase defense and security spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035 will be whether countries will increase their defense budgets each year.
Berti stated that the first indicator of success in Ankara will be demonstrating that more resources continue to be allocated to defense. Emphasizing that the second test, beyond increasing spending, is to transform these resources into concrete and full-fledged military capabilities, Berti noted that the summit will also discuss how to further strengthen the defense industrial infrastructure across the transatlantic alliance.
Stating that he believes the summit to be held in Turkey, which has a strong defense industry ecosystem, will be an important signal in this regard, Berti added that the summit will also demonstrate that support for Ukraine continues. Emphasizing that every NATO summit is also a platform where transatlantic unity and solidarity are displayed, Berti stated that this issue will be high on the agenda.
Parliaments implement decisions
Stating that the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, which has served as a bridge between NATO and the parliaments of member countries for 71 years, is a completely special structure, Berti explained that although it is institutionally separate from NATO, it was established to connect the decisions taken at NATO with citizens through parliaments.
Emphasizing that for the transatlantic alliance to remain strong, solid ties are needed not only between governments but also at the political level and between peoples, Berti said the NATO Assembly undertakes this task. Stating that the Assembly, which includes 281 members of parliament from 32 allied countries, represents the entire political spectrum of their countries, Berti said, "They come together, reach consensus, strengthen transatlantic ties and discuss security and defense issues. This is even more important today as we are going through a historic period for NATO."
Emphasizing that decisions are taken at summits but implemented in parliaments, Berti said it is the parliaments that approve the budgets that ensure the continuation of defense spending, change procurement legislation to procure defense capabilities faster, and enact laws to support the defense industry. Berti noted that the NATO Parliamentary Assembly plays a very important role in this process.
Stating that he observes that all NATO PA members of parliament are aware of the importance of increasing defense investments, Berti conveyed that they believe that especially European allies, as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, Turkey and Norway, need to develop their capacities to create more balanced transatlantic relations. Emphasizing that an open, honest and sincere dialogue must be established with citizens, Berti added that it is necessary to explain to the public why increasing defense investments is necessary and to explain the threats faced.
Stay Updated with Ally Daily
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
