Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s strategic role in European security and its readiness to contribute to shaping a new defense framework during a two-day NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels.
The meeting, chaired by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte from April 3-4, marked the alliance’s first ministerial since the Trump administration returned to office in January.
Fidan said Türkiye remains a key contributor to Euro-Atlantic security, citing its robust military capabilities and advanced defense industry. He underscored the alliance’s importance in maintaining European stability and highlighted Türkiye’s position on NATO’s southeastern flank as critical amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
On the sidelines of the summit, Fidan held bilateral talks with several counterparts, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Greek Foreign Minister Yorgos Gerapetritis, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
No details were provided on Fidan’s meeting with Rubio.
Fidan also met with Ukraine’s Sybiha and Germany’s Baerbock at NATO headquarters. The Turkish Foreign Ministry shared photos of the meetings on social media but did not disclose the content of the discussions.