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Türkiye's Ambassador to Rome, Elif Comoglu Ulgen, said Tuesday that while Türkiye understands the European Union's efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities, these efforts cannot exclude or replace NATO's central and fundamental role.
Speaking as the guest of honor at the NATO Defense College's new term opening in Rome, Ulgen addressed cadets on Türkiye's foreign policy and regional developments.
Ulgen was welcomed by NATO Defense College Commander Danish Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen and signed the guest book at the entrance before addressing the new term cadets.
"We understand the EU's efforts to strengthen its own defense capabilities, but this cannot exclude or replace NATO's central and fundamental role," Ulgen said during her address at the college.
"I believe everyone at this college is well aware of this. These efforts will be effective mostly when NATO is included, and again, Türkiye is part of these efforts," she noted.
The ambassador emphasized that NATO continues to be at the center of all of Türkiye's security and defense strategies. She noted that Türkiye recently agreed at the Hague summit to increase defense spending to 5% and that preparations have begun for the NATO Leaders Summit scheduled for next year in Ankara.
"As Türkiye, we are not at the edges of Europe; we are at its heart," Ulgen stated, highlighting Türkiye's role in European security through its defense capabilities and diplomatic network.
Ulgen stressed that the current international system needs reform rather than abandonment, citing increasing violations of rules aimed at maintaining international peace and security.
"Our task now is not to abandon the system, but to reshape it. To ensure its more fair and inclusive implementation," she said.
"This is the fundamental principle of Türkiye's approach to the international system. As Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, "A more just world is possible," Ulgen added.
The ambassador described the Palestinian issue as "today's litmus test in distinguishing right from wrong," noting that half a million people in Gaza face catastrophic hunger.
"Israel's deliberate obstruction of aid has led to a 'man-made famine,'" Ulgen said, adding that the situation in Gaza is incompatible with civilized world values. She expressed hope in the changing attitudes within Western public opinion.
Addressing regional security concerns, Ulgen emphasized that Europe's security does not end at its borders, a fact that became evident during Syria's civil war.
"A stable and united Syria is vital not only for the Middle East but also for Europe's own security and peace," she stated.
"For this reason, we will continue to support an inclusive political transition and strive for the elimination of all terrorist groups in Syria, and we know our allies will be our closest partners in our efforts," she noted.
Ulgen reaffirmed Türkiye's position that diplomacy remains the path to ending the war between Ukraine and Russia, citing the Istanbul talks as evidence of this vision.
"The resumption of direct negotiations between the parties for the first time after three years was an important achievement in itself," she said.
"Additionally, three rounds of talks provided concrete progress on humanitarian issues, prisoner exchanges, ceasefire, and opening a direct channel to create a framework for peace," Ulgen added.
The ambassador added that Türkiye remains committed to facilitating a diplomatic solution with its allies and is ready to support the implementation of a solution that reflects the consent of both Ukraine and Russia.
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