ANTALYA HOSTS NATO REPRESENTATIVES
The Mediterranean and Middle East Special Group Economic and Security Committee Seminar, held in Antalya, brings together NATO representatives and parliamentarians from different countries. Regional security, economy and NATO's southern policies are discussed at the meeting.
The Mediterranean and Middle East Special Group Economic and Security Committee Seminar has started in Antalya. In addition to NATO representatives, parliamentarians from many countries are participating in the seminar.
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Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu[/caption]
The seminar is being held between April 28-30 at a five-star hotel in the Belek tourism region of Serik district. The seminar was attended by NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) Turkish Delegation Chairman, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Mediterranean and Middle East Special Group Chairman (GSM) Fernando Gutierrez, NATO PA Vice President Agnes Vadai, Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin and parliamentarians and representatives from many countries.
ECONOMY AND SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu stated that they held joint committee meetings of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and noted that this meeting was the economy and security committee meeting regarding the Middle East. Explaining that they invited NATO's partners, especially the southern partners, to this meeting, Çavuşoğlu said, "We have deputies from dear Azerbaijan. Apart from that, we have deputies from Ghana, the Sahel region is also important for NATO. Instabilities there and what NATO can do there, especially regarding security and stability. But many deputies from the Gulf countries and Arab countries also attended our meeting today. They also contributed to the first session with their comments and questions. As a result, we are evaluating and discussing the developments in the south of NATO and the effects of these developments in our southern region, the Gulf, the Middle East and the Sahel African region, on NATO."
NATO FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING IN ANTALYA
Stating that it is important for Turkey to focus on the eastern flank of NATO, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said, "But we should not neglect the south. There are many threats and challenges, especially terrorism. Therefore, we bring it to the agenda at every meeting, especially by our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, at summits, and we also bring it to the agenda on this platform now, that we can be negatively affected as NATO member countries if we neglect the south. Therefore, we attach importance to this meeting. Many sessions will take place. There are many speakers. And there is a free environment here. Everyone expresses their opinion, speakers, especially our deputy friends, both from member countries and partner countries, also contribute. The first session was extremely active. Next month, there will be a NATO Foreign Ministers meeting hosted by our Minister, Mr. Hakan Fidan."
TURKEY'S IMPORTANCE IN DIPLOMACY
Reminding that the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting was held in Antalya before the G-20 summit about 10 years ago when he was the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the first time, Çavuşoğlu said, "We have just finished the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Turkey has become an extremely important country in diplomacy and security. Especially in the rapid change process in the world, it is an indispensable ally and member for NATO, and is among the countries that contribute the most. In terms of its activities, its missions and, of course, its budget, Turkey is among the countries and allies that contribute the most."
'WE ATTACH IMPORTANCE TO EUROPE'S SECURITY'
Stating that especially the western world has begun to understand the importance of Turkey recently, Çavuşoğlu said, "But it is not enough to understand the importance of Turkey only when it is needed. We should not forget it after the need is over. Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest mistakes our western allies and friends make. Especially while discussing the creation of Europe's own security architecture, I would like to remind and remind once again that excluding Turkey will not benefit Europe's security. As Turkey, we attach importance to and contribute to the stability and security of Europe, which we are in."
