Turkey's National Security Council Prepares for NATO Summit and Regional Security Challenges

The Turkish National Security Council (MGK) met under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on 18 June 2026, adopting an 11‑point statement. The council reaffirmed its "terror‑free Turkey" goal, detailed actions against the PKK/KCK‑PYD/YPG, FETÖ and ISIS, and highlighted continued operations against organized crime. It emphasized Turkey’s guarantor role for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, pledged to protect its rights, and warned against destabilising actions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The MGK also welcomed the Iran‑U.S. agreement, stating Turkey will support efforts to maintain it, and reiterated its commitment to regional stability in Syria, Iraq, Gaza, and the South Caucasus. The meeting addressed the ongoing Russia‑Ukraine war, calling for an immediate cease‑fire, and noted Turkey’s support for African partners.

In anticipation of the NATO Leaders’ Summit in Ankara on 7‑8 July, council members discussed extensive preparations, including infrastructure upgrades along the summit route, security measures such as the collection of stray dogs, administrative leave for public‑sector employees, and a ban on public events. Defence Minister Yaşar Güler highlighted the summit as a pivotal moment for NATO’s adaptation to hybrid, cyber and energy‑security threats, and underscored Turkey’s contribution to NATO’s collective defence and defence‑industry cooperation.

Overall, the MGK’s deliberations combined foreign‑policy coordination, regional peace initiatives, and domestic security measures ahead of the high‑profile NATO summit.