NATO’s southern flank needs Turkey’s leadership

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that NATO’s southern wing needs Turkey and Turkey’s leadership.

Rutte spoke at the joint press conference held after his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at Vahdettin Mansion.

Rutte said that the issues on the agenda were discussed at the meeting, and noted that there were bilateral issues, but also issues of geopolitical importance were discussed.

Rutte said, “Turkey is playing a decisive role. While doing this, it is making efforts to resolve the situation in Gaza. At the same time, it is making efforts regarding this terrible war in Ukraine. In that respect, you play an important role.” he said.

Emphasizing that Turkey is trying to resolve these disputes, Rutte said, “Turkey is a geopolitical actor. Turkey has a lot of influence (in the region).” said.

Rutte stated that the relations between Turkey and the Netherlands date back to many years and that many issues, including Gaza and Ukraine, were discussed during the meeting.

Stating that his candidacy for NATO Secretary General is in question, Rutte said:

“Turkey is a very important ally in NATO. After the USA, Turkey represents the second largest military power in NATO. Turkey is a country located in a difficult region, in a geography with difficult neighbors. Unfortunately, terrorism is on its agenda.”

Noting that the fight against terrorism was also discussed at the meeting, Rutte said, “In terms of the stability of this entire region and general transatlantic relations, NATO’s southern wing needs Turkey, it needs Turkey’s leadership.” he said.