NATO Military Committee Chair Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone described Türkiye as a strong and strategic ally ahead of this week's NATO leaders' summit in Ankara, praising its military capabilities, defense industry and geopolitical position as central to the alliance's security.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) at NATO headquarters in Brussels before the July 7-8 summit, Cavo Dragone said the alliance has become stronger since he assumed the Military Committee's top post in January 2025.
"When I took office, I believed NATO was a strong and healthy alliance. After a year and a half, I can confirm that assessment," he said. "We are no longer just waking up. We are on our feet and moving forward."
Drawing attention to Türkiye's role within NATO, the admiral said the country occupies a unique strategic position linking the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and the Middle East while maintaining the alliance's second-largest military.
He also praised Türkiye's rapidly expanding defense industry after recently visiting several production facilities.
