Fuat Oktay, Chairman of the Turkish Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee and AK Party Deputy from Ankara, emphasized that the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara will take place at a critical time and expressed their expectation for strong messages of unity and solidarity from the summit.
Oktay shared that he has been engaged in intensive meetings over the past two days following the 4th Meeting of the Turkey-Baltic States Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committees held in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.
Positive Relations Between Turkey and Estonia Highlighted
Oktay noted that high-level relations between Turkey and Estonia are extremely positive, with close cooperation at the levels of governments, states, and parliaments between the two countries.
He mentioned meeting with members of the Estonian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee and also meeting with Estonian Parliament Speaker Lauri Hussar within the scope of the upcoming NATO Parliamentary Assembly, where they had the opportunity to discuss the NATO agenda and Turkey's visit.
During his contacts in Tallinn, Oktay also participated in meetings under the NB8 format, which brings together Nordic and Baltic countries. He added that the presence of Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Estonia gave additional momentum to the discussions.
Security Concerns of the Baltic States
Oktay drew attention to serious concerns in the region, especially in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, due to the Russia-Ukraine War, emphasizing the need to remain calm no matter how serious the situation is.
He stated that they have consistently expressed that war is not the solution, should not happen, and will not happen, conveying this message to Russia, Ukraine, and all Western allies.
Oktay stressed that cooperation within NATO should also be supported at the European Union level, noting that Turkey should not be excluded from EU defense industry and defense budget efforts while acting together in the field of security.
Defense, Economy, and Cybersecurity Agenda
Oktay reported that economic relations between Turkey and Estonia have also developed, with trade volume exceeding 600 million dollars.
He pointed out that cooperation in the defense industry is increasing day by day, recalling that last year Turkish companies Otokar and Nurol sold land vehicles. Oktay also mentioned a new 300 million dollar agreement related to ARCA and said efforts are underway to implement it.
Within the framework of the quadrilateral meetings, they received briefings from the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service on developments related to the Ukraine-Russia War and preparations in the Baltic countries, and held comprehensive evaluations with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
Oktay noted that they also received information from institutions regarding Estonia's cybersecurity and digitalization efforts, stating that cybersecurity is among the top priorities in Turkey as well, where a strategic high-level institution has been established in this field.
"The worst peace is better than the best war."
Oktay emphasized that while it is necessary to be prepared for all kinds of risks, efforts should focus more on peace than war, and the importance of new communication channels.
Changing Security Perceptions in Europe
Oktay expressed that a new era is emerging in Europe not only due to the Russia-Ukraine War but also because of developments in transatlantic relations.
He said that in Europe and the Baltic countries, the previous mindset of "NATO is here, the US will protect us" has been replaced by the approach of "we must handle our own affairs ourselves," while Turkey has built its defense industry and is prepared for the international turmoil around it.
Oktay also announced that cooperation within this format with the Baltic countries will continue and that the next meeting will be held in Ankara next year.
