The defence industry has become a strategic priority for NATO as the alliance adapts to an increasingly volatile global security environment, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said ahead of a NATO summit scheduled to be held in Ankara on July 7–8.
Speaking during a visit to Canada, Fidan said the summit would be "historic" because of the current geopolitical situation and the significance of the decisions expected from NATO member states, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.
"This summit will truly be historic, because the international geopolitical situation has reached a point where the decisions made by NATO member states will be even more decisive not only for the future of the alliance but also for the future of our region," Fidan said.
He said one of the summit's main agenda items would be increasing defence spending, adding that NATO members would review practical measures and spending plans.
"The main issue under discussion is increasing defence spending. And this is no longer just a topic for discussion. An audit of practical steps and types of expenditures will be conducted, and a report will be compiled," he said.
Fidan said Russia's war in Ukraine and other conflicts had reshaped NATO's strategic priorities beyond military preparedness alone.
"In recent years, especially in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war and other conflicts, it has become clear that we have moved beyond the question of mere combat readiness and have gained a deep political and strategic understanding of our position in the defence industry. At this stage, the defence industry is no longer a secondary issue in NATO planning and meetings; it has become a matter of the highest strategic importance," he said.
According to Fidan, the Ankara summit will include dedicated sessions on the defence industry alongside high-level discussions on NATO's future, transatlantic relations, threat assessments and the alliance's overall readiness.
"There are certain issues that need to be discussed, and I believe these discussions will take place in a constructive atmosphere," he said.
By Sabina Mammadli
Source: caliber.az
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