Response from Istanbul

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is scheduled to be received by President Erdogan at 14:00 Greek time for an hour, before the cabinet. Just two days ago Rutte had met with the newly elected President Trump in Florida where they reportedly discussed the Ukrainian, Russian threats, China and North Korea. Ankara is eagerly awaiting the NATO Secretary General’s visit, hoping to gain useful information on the foreign policy plans of Trump, who has so far been tight-lipped about Turkey.

President Erdogan’s good relations with Putin may be of particular interest to Mark Rutte at a time when the next day of war in Ukraine is being discussed. So it was of particular interest that yesterday, on the eve of the arrival of the NATO Secretary General in Ankara, there was a telephone conversation between Erdogan and the Russian President. A statement from the Directorate of Communication of the Turkish Presidency states that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional and global issues. It is also reported that President Erdogan aims to increase cooperation with Russia in many areas, especially increasing the volume of trade transactions. It is also emphasized that Turkey continues its efforts to end tensions in the region and will continue to contribute to peace processes.

Rutte will meet with President Erdogan, as well as Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yasar Guler. And then he will visit the Turkish Aerospace Industry (TUSAŞ) facility in Ankara which was the target of an attack by the PKK last month with dead and injured.

Erdogan’s messages

Turkish media reports that during talks with the NATO Secretary General, Ankara will, among other things, emphasize its expectations for the removal of barriers between NATO allies for defense supplies and solidarity in the fight against terrorism. The second relates to the Kurdish Syrian forces fighting ISIS alongside the Americans. But the main topic will be the latest developments in Ukrainian. With Erdogan the only leader talking to both Putin and Zelensky, Turkish analysts are wondering if Rutte is conveying a message today from Trump to the Turkish president about ending the Russian-Ukrainian war.

After Ankara, the NATO Secretary General’s next stop is Athens, where he will meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.