The Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte said that the Southern NATO wing needs Turkey and its leadership.
Rutte spoke at a joint press conference organized after his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Vakhdettin mansion
The Prime Minister said that the meeting discussed issues on the agenda, in particular bilateral relations, as well as issues of geopolitical significance.
Rutte said: “Turkey plays a decisive role. At the same time, it makes efforts to resolve the situation in gas. At the same time, it takes measures to cope with this terrible war in Ukraine. In this regard, you play an important role.”
“Turkey is a geopolitical player. Turkey has a great influence in the region,” he said.
The politician added that relations between Turkey and the Netherlands are based on many years. According to him:, during the meeting, many issues were discussed, including gas and Ukraine.
Having stated that his candidacy for the post of General Secretary of NATO is under discussion, he said:
“Turkey is a very important ally in NATO. After the United States, Turkey is the second largest military force in NATO. Turkey is a country located in a difficult region, in a geographical position with difficult neighbors. Unfortunately, terrorism is on its agenda “.
noting that the fight against terrorism was also discussed at the meeting, Rutta emphasized: “From the point of view of the stability of the entire region and general transatlantic relations, the Southern NATO wing needs Turkey, he needs Turkey’s leadership.”