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Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said Türkiye does not plan its national security solely dependent on a single alliance, emphasizing a multi-dimensional, proactive approach based on national interests while affirming NATO remains a fundamental pillar of the country's security policy.
In an interview with Gazete Oksijen's Sedat Ergin, Guler addressed questions about the implications of a potential NATO dissolution for Türkiye.
"Türkiye is planning and implementing its national security not solely dependent on a single alliance, but with a multi-dimensional, proactive approach based on national interests," Guler stated.
"In this context, our Turkish Armed Forces continue to increase their deterrence, strengthen their capabilities based on domestic and national defense industry, and diversify regional and bilateral cooperations," he added.
Guler described Türkiye as having been "a strong and effective member of NATO since 1952" and an "indispensable ally" for the alliance due to its strategic geographic position, military capabilities and operational experience.
However, he emphasized that Türkiye is prepared for all scenarios while remaining a "constructive and responsible ally."
"Türkiye continues to decisively pursue its national security planning in a way that is prepared for all kinds of developments," Guler said.
While emphasizing Türkiye's multi-dimensional security approach, Guler affirmed that NATO membership remains central to the country's defense policy.
"NATO continues to be one of the fundamental pillars of Türkiye's security policy, and this is not open to debate," he stated.
He called for strengthening solidarity among allies without deviating from NATO's basic principles, describing this as "critically important for the future of the alliance."
Asked whether Türkiye is forming a defense alliance with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, Guler said multilateral cooperation for regional security is being evaluated.
"Defense and security relations with friendly and brotherly countries such as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have been maintained for a long time in line with mutual interests and the goal of strengthening regional stability," Guler said.
"Multilateral cooperations carried out for the purpose of preserving regional security and stability continue to be evaluated. For our country, which faces security challenges from both east and west due to its geographical position, developing flexible and multi-dimensional security relations is a strategic necessity," he added.
Guler emphasized that Türkiye's approach to such initiatives "complements rather than contradicts" NATO membership.
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Guler warned that excluding Türkiye from European defense structures would harm not just Türkiye but Europe's comprehensive security architecture.
"Türkiye's exclusion from such defense structures means damage not only to Türkiye but also to the comprehensive structure of European security," Guler said.
He criticized efforts to exclude Türkiye from the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) mechanism as based on "short-term political calculations" that contradict Europe's long-term strategic interests and security needs.
"As in the past, the need for Türkiye's military and strategic capabilities will be clearly seen in times of crisis that Europe may face in the future," Guler said.
"Given the need for deterrence against threats in today's security environment, it is not possible to create an effective European security policy without cooperation with Türkiye," he added.
On Türkiye's military presence in Syria, Guler outlined conditions for reassessment.
"After the elimination of the presence of terrorist organizations and the ensuring of our border security, when the Syrian Army reaches the capability and capacity to establish security on its own in the areas where we are located, our military presence in Syria can be reassessed with the Syrian Administration," he said.
The minister confirmed Türkiye's current presence continues in coordination with Syrian authorities, with cooperation "continuing with increasing momentum."
On the SDF, Guler said, "The path to lasting stability passes through the strengthening of legitimate state structures, not terrorist organizations."
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