Turkey fully committed to NATO – Defence Minister

Turkey remains fully committed to its NATO responsibilities, Defense Minister Yasar Guler told Reuters, addressing concerns that Ankara might be shifting away from the West.

Last month, President Tayyip Erdogan expressed interest in Turkey joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a security and economic alliance led by Russia, China, and Central Asian states.

In a written interview, Guler emphasized that Turkey’s NATO membership does not prevent it from building relations with the SCO. He reiterated that Turkey’s priority is to fulfill its NATO obligations and strengthen solidarity with its allies.

Ankara’s growing ties with Russia and interest in the BRICS group have raised concerns in the West, but Turkey insists it remains a dedicated NATO ally.

via Reuters