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According to a statement from the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, Defense Minister Yasar Guler called for the removal of export restrictions hindering defense cooperation during NATO Defense Ministers' meetings in Brussels on June 4-5, while highlighting Türkiye's continued commitment to Ukraine ceasefire efforts.
Guler participated in both the Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting and the NATO Defense Ministers Meeting, where discussions focused on NATO's deterrence and defense posture, support for Ukraine, and regional security issues.
During the Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting, Guler informed participants that Turkish President and US President Trump have demonstrated strong determination to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Ukraine, with intensive contacts continuing within this framework.
"It was reported to counterparts that we are ready to work for the establishment of a cease-fire and peace with the participation of (Mr.) Trump under our hosting," Guler stated in his evaluation of the meetings.
The defense minister emphasized Türkiye's role in facilitating peace negotiations, noting that important meetings have been held in Türkiye recently to support efforts for establishing a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine.
At the NATO Defense Ministers Meeting, Guler highlighted Türkiye's over 70-year commitment to NATO obligations, demonstrating support for Europe's collective defense.
He noted that Türkiye, possessing the alliance's second-largest army, consistently ranks among the top five countries contributing forces to NATO operations and missions.
"It was stated that Türkiye's commitment to NATO obligations, demonstrated by our country for over 70 years, reveals support for Europe's collective defense," Guler explained.
The minister reaffirmed Türkiye's deep commitment to North Atlantic Treaty principles, particularly Article 3, which aims to develop individual and collective capacity.
Guler stressed that current security conditions demonstrate peace can only be maintained by developing deterrent capabilities.
However, he emphasized that reaching capability targets requires removing remaining export restrictions and other obstacles that hinder defense cooperation and investments among allies.
"The message was given that removing the last export restrictions among allies and other obstacles that disrupt defense cooperation and investments is of vital importance to reach these capability targets," he stated.
The defense minister argued that defense spending effectiveness must be managed in alignment with capability targets, requiring smart allocation of resources.
Guler also highlighted a significant development regarding the PKK/KCK terrorist organization, which poses the greatest threat to Türkiye's peace and stability.
He noted the organization's announcement on May 12 to dissolve itself and lay down arms as an important development.
"It was emphasized that we will not allow the process to be sabotaged and prolonged," Guler stated regarding the terrorist organization's dissolution announcement.
The defense minister emphasized that European security can only be strengthened through inclusivity, strategic foresight, and collective solidarity, requiring a visionary approach.
He expressed expectations for support in properly including non-EU allies in relevant mechanisms.
"It was expressed that support is expected for the proper inclusion of non-EU member allies in these mechanisms," Guler noted.
During the meetings, Guler conducted bilateral discussions with defense ministers from Belgium, Latvia, and Ukraine, as well as trilateral consultations with Bulgarian and Romanian defense ministers to evaluate defense and security cooperation opportunities.
"In this meeting, we had the opportunity to express our views, evaluations, contributions, and expectations on the topics on the agenda firsthand," Guler said.
The minister also drew attention to two issues of particular sensitivity: combating terrorism and removing export restrictions.
Guler concluded by reaffirming Türkiye's commitment as a reliable and strong ally: "As a reliable and strong ally, we will continue to fulfill our responsibilities in NATO."
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