Europa Posted on 2026-07-02 11:15:00

Turkey "gets ready" for NATO summit/ Thousands of police in Ankara, protests and concerts banned

From Alida Lula

Turkey "gets ready" for NATO summit/ Thousands of police in Ankara,

On July 7 and 8, Ankara will host the leaders of 32 NATO countries, including US President Donald Trump. Authorities have imposed tight security and extensive restrictions in the capital. US President Donald Trump is expected to be among the participants, while local authorities aim not only to guarantee the security of the summit, but also to demonstrate Turkey's commitment to NATO.

Trump himself has hinted that the organization of the summit in Turkey influenced his decision to attend. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described Turkey as a reliable ally that bears important responsibilities on the southeastern flank of NATO. According to him, this summit will be a landmark in the history of the alliance. Tens of thousands of police officers have been deployed in Ankara to guard this summit, while air defense systems have been placed on high alert.

The area around the airports, the presidential complex where the summit will be held, and the hotels where the delegations will stay will have strict traffic restrictions. Authorities have banned protests, concerts, and graduation ceremonies during the days of the summit. Some state administration employees have also been furloughed, with the aim of reducing traffic in the city of nearly 6 million residents.

Turkey has been a NATO member since 1952 and has the alliance's second-largest army after the United States. However, in recent years it has often pursued an independent policy, refusing to join sanctions against Russia, purchasing Russian air defense systems and delaying the membership of Finland and Sweden in NATO until some of its demands were met.

 

 

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