Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that the 2026 NATO summit in the capital Ankara concluded "successfully", describing it as a "historic" gathering that will help shape the alliance's future at a time of heightened security challenges across the Euro-Atlantic region.
"We have successfully concluded our NATO summit, which we hosted in our country for the second time in 22 years and for the first time in our capital, Ankara," Erdogan said at a news conference following the summit.
He said the meeting came at a critical moment for Euro-Atlantic security and would have lasting significance for the alliance.
"This historic summit, which we hosted at a time when Euro-Atlantic security is being tested, has been conducted in a manner that will shape our common future," he said.
Optimism over F-35
Erdogan said his US counterpart, Donald Trump, has taken a "positive approach" to delivering F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye, while also saying that US sanctions against Ankara have been largely lifted.
The Turkish president said he was optimistic that Ankara would eventually receive the fifth-generation fighter jets.
"Mr. Trump actually has a positive approach toward Türkiye on the F-35 issue. Hopefully, when the F-35s are delivered to Türkiye, the whole world will say, 'America kept its promise'," Erdogan said.
Erdogan added that Trump expressed support for the sale of F110 jet engines for Türkiye's indigenous KAAN fighter aircraft.
"I had discussed the issue of these engines with Mr. Trump before. He took a positive approach. Hopefully, there will not be any problems," he said.
The Trump administration has reportedly informed Congress recently of its intention to move forward with a proposed sale of dozens of jet engines to Türkiye in a deal valued at more than $700 million.
Global peace frameworks
Erdogan urged renewed diplomatic efforts to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, saying the region cannot endure further conflict.
Turning to the war in Ukraine, Erdogan said the conflict has entered its fifth year and has become a war of attrition with heavy casualties.
"There are no losers in a just peace. I would like to reiterate that we are ready to bring the parties together once again in Türkiye," he said.
He also condemned Israel's genocide in Gaza, saying "occupation and oppression continue unabated."
On regional security, Erdogan said Türkiye remains committed to helping preserve stability in the Strait of Hormuz.
"We are doing everything we can and will continue to do so," he said, underlining the need to avoid the Strait of Hormuz becoming a theatre of war.
