UPDATE- Türkiye celebrates 72 years with NATO

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT FROM TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Turkish National Defense Ministry on Sunday commemorated Türkiye's 72nd anniversary of joining NATO, underscoring the nation's steadfast commitment to its obligations and responsibilities within the alliance.

“We celebrate the 72nd anniversary of Türkiye joining the NATO alliance,” the ministry said on X.

“As the second-largest military force within the Alliance, Türkiye proudly occupies a pivotal position at its core,” the statement read.

The strategic significance of Türkiye within NATO was further emphasized by its hosting of the NATO Allied Land Command and the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps (3rd Corps Command), it added.

“As a formidable and dependable member of NATO, Türkiye will continue to make indispensable contributions to the Alliance, mirroring its unwavering commitment to the organization's success throughout its history,” it concluded.

In a separate statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said: “At an extraordinary period of unprecedented challenges for the world, we celebrate the 72nd anniversary of accession of Türkiye, who maintains a unique and indispensable position for the Alliance, to NATO.”

“We will continue to assume an important role in NATO so as to support international peace and stability on the basis of Allied solidarity,” the ministry said on X.