Keir Starmer attends NATO summit in Ankara as Turkey highlights its role

The 36th NATO State and Government Leaders Summit was held in Ankara, bringing together heads of government from the alliance. United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the meeting left NATO "stronger and more united," noting that Britain had raised its defence spending twice in the past two years and was ready to contribute its nuclear capabilities to the alliance. Starmer praised the trans‑Atlantic partnership with the United States, saying, "We have a good relationship with President Trump and that is important for our security."

Turkey’s Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır used the summit to stress Turkey’s growing influence, stating, "There is a Turkey that is heard at the table, gives confidence to friends, and sends a clear deterrent message to adversaries." He highlighted recent investments in Zonguldak and Turkey’s advances in defence, automotive, space and aviation sectors. The summit also addressed ongoing tensions in Ukraine and Iran, and discussed energy stability in the region.