NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reached out to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan via a phone call to extend his congratulations on the latter's re-election victory.

This conversation, held in anticipation of the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius, covered a range of important subjects, including ongoing support for Ukraine, fortifying deterrence and defense capabilities, and finalizing Sweden's accession to NATO.

Taking to Twitter, Secretary General Stoltenberg expressed his satisfaction with the call and highlighted the key points discussed between him and President Erdoğan. "Good call with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. I congratulated him on the election," he wrote.

Stoltenberg went on to emphasize the significance of the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius, indicating that it will serve as a platform to address critical matters such as the continued backing of Ukraine in its current circumstances.

Furthermore, the discussion between the two leaders centered on the importance of strengthening deterrence and defense mechanisms within the NATO alliance. Recognizing the need for collective security, both Stoltenberg and Erdoğan underscored the significance of bolstering NATO's capabilities to effectively respond to emerging challenges and threats.

Another pivotal topic covered during the call involved the finalization of Sweden's accession to NATO. As the organization continues to expand, securing Sweden's inclusion would further enhance NATO's influence and reach, solidifying its commitment to the principles of collective defense and cooperation.

The phone conversation between NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg and Turkish President Erdoğan signifies the ongoing collaboration and strategic partnership between NATO and Turkey, highlighting their mutual dedication to addressing regional and global security concerns. As the NATO Summit in Vilnius approaches, discussions such as these serve as crucial stepping stones toward shaping the future of the alliance and ensuring its readiness to confront the evolving geopolitical landscape. (ILKHA)