Türkiye's Communications Directorate hosts discussion on NATO's challenges, opportunities

By Gokhan Celiker

WASHINGTON (AA) - Türkiye's Communications Directorate organized a roundtable meeting Wednesday titled "Challenges and Opportunities for NATO in an Era of Uncertainty" in Washington, D.C.

Held within the margins of the NATO Summit from July 9-11, the event at the Washington office of the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) emphasized Türkiye's critical role within NATO.

It began with a video by the Communications Directorate highlighting Türkiye's NATO perspective and its civil and military contributions to the Alliance.

Noting that Israel's attacks on Gaza are expected to dominate discussions at the NATO leaders’ summit, the meeting emphasized that NATO's success as an organization hinges on cooperation among its member states.

The meeting highlighted NATO's growth and development strategy for European-Atlantic security and also underscored that recent conflicts demonstrate the continued relevance of traditional warfare methods on NATO's agenda.

It also addressed Türkiye's contributions across the Balkans, Africa, the Middle East and various other regions since becoming a NATO member.

It stressed how Türkiye's growing domestic defense industry enhances the Alliance's capabilities while positioning the country as a key player.

While acknowledging differences among NATO members on various issues, the meeting noted the importance of maintaining strong cooperation for establishing security and peace.

At the roundtable discussions, Türkiye's primary goal of facilitating dialogue and ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict was emphasized and its efforts in Gaza to secure a cease-fire and protect civilians.

Highlighting NATO's importance for peace and security, the meeting concluded with an emphasis on Türkiye's NATO perspective and the Alliance's approach to current political issues.

Richard Outzen, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council Türkiye, Mustafa Kibaroglu, the dean of the Faculty of Economics Administrative and Social Sciences at Istanbul-based MEF University, and Cagri Erhan, a member of Turkish Presidential Security and Foreign Policy Council, were among the attendees at the discussion, which was moderated by Kilic Bugra Kanat, the director of research at SETA’s Washington office.