ANKARA — US President Donald Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as “a great leader” and described the two-day NATO summit in Ankara as “very successful,” highlighting what he said was strong cooperation among alliance members on key security and defense issues.
Speaking at the conclusion of the summit, Trump commended Erdogan’s role as host and said discussions among NATO leaders had produced meaningful progress on collective defense, regional stability, and emerging global challenges.
“President Erdogan is a great leader,” Trump said, praising Turkey’s contribution to the alliance and its efforts to facilitate dialogue on a range of international issues.
The summit brought together heads of state and government from NATO member countries amid growing concerns over regional conflicts, maritime security, defense spending, and the evolving security landscape across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Trump said the gathering demonstrated the alliance’s unity and commitment to addressing shared threats, adding that member states had engaged in constructive discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation and enhancing NATO’s collective capabilities.
Turkey, which possesses NATO’s second-largest military force, remains a strategically important member of the alliance due to its geographic position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Ankara has played a significant role in regional diplomacy and security initiatives, including efforts to mediate conflicts and support stability in neighboring regions.
The US president’s comments underscored the close personal rapport that has often characterized his relationship with Erdogan. While Washington and Ankara have at times differed on issues ranging from regional conflicts to defense procurement policies, both leaders have repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining strong bilateral ties.
The Ankara summit also featured discussions on strengthening deterrence capabilities, expanding defense cooperation among allies, and addressing ongoing security challenges facing the alliance. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to NATO’s founding principles and collective defense obligations.
Analysts said Trump’s positive remarks toward Erdogan are likely to be welcomed by Turkish officials, who view close cooperation with Washington as an important component of regional security and economic stability.
The summit concluded with allied leaders pledging continued coordination on security matters and reaffirming NATO’s role as the cornerstone of transatlantic defense.
