Ankara (Turkey News) NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska said that at the upcoming Ankara Summit, member states will have to turn their defense commitments into practical actions so that the changing global situation can be effectively addressed.
Addressing the spring session of the Alliance’s Parliamentary Assembly in Lithuania, she said that within six weeks the heads of member states will gather in Ankara, where important decisions will be made regarding the challenges facing the Alliance and its future strategy.
Radmila Shekerinska said that the threats posed by Russia will not completely disappear even after the end of the war, therefore the Alliance must remain alert and prepared at all times. According to her, in the current uncertain and complex global environment, all member states must increase their defense capabilities, and this can only be achieved through mutual cooperation.
She reminded that member states have already agreed on the target of spending five percent of their gross domestic product on defense by 2035. According to her, a key objective of the Ankara Summit will be to turn defense expenditures into practical military capabilities so that the readiness and strength of the Alliance can be truly enhanced.
She said that the Alliance needs a more balanced partnership for the fair distribution of the defense burden, as the United States expects its allies to take greater responsibility for the conventional defense of Europe.
The Deputy Secretary General said that the Ankara Summit will focus not only on defense investment but also on modern warfare capabilities, rapid production, and the availability of defense equipment.
She also included the issue of Ukraine among the top priorities of the summit, saying that Ukraine’s security is directly linked to the security of the Alliance, therefore adopting a joint strategy on this matter is essential.
According to Radmila Shekerinska, the Ankara Summit will prove to be an important milestone for future defense requirements, regional security, and further strengthening cooperation among member states.
