Ankara, July 8 (SANA)NATO leaders opened the main session of the alliance’s 36th summit in Ankara on Wednesday, with Turkish PresidentRecep Tayyip Erdoğancalling for closer defense cooperation among allies and renewed efforts to advance peace in the Middle Eastand Ukraine.

Speaking at the opening session at the Presidential Complex, Erdoğan saidTürkiye, which has Europe’s largest land army, remains committed to contributing its military capabilities to the alliance whenever needed, according to Anadolu Agency.

Erdoğan said Türkiye’s defense industry has become one of the country’s major achievements, placing it among the world’s top 10 defense producers and exporters.

He called for the removal of restrictions on defense cooperation amongNATOallies, saying greater collaboration is essential to achieving the alliance’s “NATO 3.0” objectives. He warned that excluding non-EU allies from defense cooperation could create unnecessary divisions within Europe.

On theMiddle East, Erdoğan reiterated that a two-state solution remains the foundation for lasting peace, saying all parties share responsibility for promoting stability, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon.

He also called for full solidarity among NATO members in combating terrorism in all its forms.

Addressing regional tensions, Erdoğan welcomed U.S. President DonaldTrump‘s firm approach toward resolving the crisis with Iran and said Türkiye was prepared to contribute to efforts to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz.

OnUkraine, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for Kyiv while stressing Ankara’s continued dialogue with Russia in support of a peaceful settlement. He also expressed support for the “Priority Needs Lists” initiative for Ukraine.

Türkiye is hosting aNATO summitfor the second time, following the alliance’s 2004 summit in Istanbul, as NATO confronts growing regional and global security challenges.

Several leaders are attending the summit, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other NATO leaders and partners.kA.ABD