Altun: Turkey’s borders are NATO’s borders

Underlining that Turkey’s borders are NATO’s borders, Altun said: "Multiple threats we face from international terror groups should be considered threats against NATO as well. We must be on the same page about something as simple as identifying a terror organization."

Asserting that some of Turkey's allies have supported, propagated and legitimized a terror group that recruits children, conducts ethnic cleansing, forces migration of civilians, Altun said: "The PKK/YPG must be treated for what they are, a murderous terrorist organization and a threat to regional and international security. Thanks to our Operation Peace Spring, close to 400,000 Syrians have returned to their country. Our military operations are not only about fighting terrorists but establishing the conditions for the safe return of Syrians and ensuring stability in the region."

"NATO needs a new strategy"

Pointing out that NATO needs a strategy to address the increasingly complex challenges of our time, Altun added: "We often find issues of terrorism, refugees, regional strategy all wrapped up together to pose security threats to our alliance. We must recognize this reality for a stronger alliance."

Meanwhile, Altun shared the data on defense spending within the framework of Turkey's NATO targets.

According to this, Turkey’s defense spending has increased by 53 % over the past 5 years and reached 1.89 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Noting that Turkey would reach NATO’s target 2% by 2024 as was agreed in Wales Summit, Fahrettin Altun said: "Turkey has 1,200 service members participating in various NATO missions." (ILKHA)