Turkey to Host NATO Foreign Ministers in Antalya
Turkey will host the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Antalya on May 14–15. This key informal summit takes place before the NATO Leaders’ Summit in The Hague this June. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will chair the discussions, bringing together representatives from all 32 NATO countries.
The meeting aims to deepen coordination among allies on global challenges, especially ahead of major summit decisions. A welcoming event on May 14 will set the stage for intensive dialogue the next day.
Strategic Agenda Before the June Summit
The Antalya gathering will serve as a preparatory forum for the NATO Leaders’ Summit set for June 24–25 in The Hague. The ministers will exchange views on priority issues in an informal setting, allowing for flexible and honest dialogue.
An informal session of the North Atlantic Council on May 15 will focus on critical themes such as deterrence, security architecture, and alliance priorities.
Burden Sharing and Security Take Center Stage
Key topics on the agenda include burden sharing, collective defense, and the future of European security. Turkey will advocate for a balanced distribution of responsibilities among allies. Minister Fidan is expected to highlight NATO’s need for strengthened deterrence, efficiency, and strategic cohesion.
He will also stress Turkey’s evolving role in the alliance. As a pivotal actor on NATO’s southern flank, Turkey offers advanced military capabilities and a strong defense industry.
Turkey Pushes for Fair Inclusion and Defense Cooperation
Foreign Minister Fidan will emphasize the necessity of including non-EU NATO members like Turkey in European defense efforts. He argues that their exclusion undermines the alliance’s unity and operational effectiveness.
Turkey already exceeds NATO’s defense spending goal of 2% of GDP. Fidan will urge allies to eliminate trade restrictions in defense technologies and support joint projects that boost collective capability.
Addressing Terrorism, War, and Regional Stability
Beyond military issues, Turkey will press for true solidarity in counterterrorism. Fidan is expected to advocate for sustainable peace in NATO’s neighboring regions, especially in the Middle East and the Black Sea area.
Efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war will also be on the agenda. Bilateral meetings on the sidelines will offer opportunities to strengthen ties and align positions ahead of the June summit.
Turkey’s Enduring Role in NATO’s Evolution
A NATO member since 1952, Turkey remains vital to the alliance’s southern defenses. It hosts NATO Land Command (LANDCOM) and the high-readiness headquarters NRDC-TUR in Istanbul. Turkey is one of the largest contributors to NATO’s command structure.
With its growing responsibilities, Turkey continues to shape NATO’s evolution and transatlantic security strategy. The Antalya meeting reaffirms its commitment and leadership within the alliance.
