Turkey’s Erdogan and Italy’s Meloni Talk Defense Deals Ahead of NATO Summit in Ankara

Turkey’s Erdogan and Italy’s Meloni Talk Defense Deals Ahead of NATO Summit in Ankara

Turkey and Italy are deepening defense industry cooperation ahead of a NATO leaders’ summit in Ankara, as Germany also signals a bigger role in the alliance.

· 1 min read ·
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday, discussing bilateral relations and regional issues. Erdogan said Turkey wants closer cooperation with Italy, especially in the defense industry. The call came ahead of a NATO leaders’ summit scheduled to take place in Turkey [188300].

Separately, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told former U.S. President Donald Trump that Germany is prepared to take on more responsibility within NATO. In a phone call, Merz said the alliance is “becoming more European.” The two leaders agreed to continue their talks at next week’s summit in Ankara [188289].

The NATO summit in Turkey is expected to focus on regional security, defense spending, and the alliance’s evolving role in Europe and the Middle East.

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Sources:

Sources

Turkey and Italy discuss defense ties ahead of NATO summit #188300Merz to Trump: Germany ready for bigger NATO role #188289

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