Ankara to host NATO summit starting Tuesday

Türkiye is fully prepared to host NATO's historic 36th Summit. The two-day meeting of heads of state and government will begin on Tuesday (July 7) at the Presidential Complex (Presidential Palace) in the capital, Ankara. Top leaders from all 32 NATO member states are expected to attend. Thousands of diplomats, invited guests, and local and international journalists are already arriving in Ankara for the event.

Turkish authorities said that all security, logistics, transportation, and technical preparations have been finalized to ensure the successful organization of the summit.

During the closed-door sessions, world leaders will primarily discuss strengthening NATO's military capabilities and deterrence, safeguarding Euro-Atlantic security, increasing defense spending, defining the alliance's future strategic priorities, and addressing ongoing regional and global security challenges. To facilitate the movement of delegates and guests, Esenboğa, Ankara, and Mürted airports have been specially prepared for the summit.

According to Türkiye's state-run news agency Anadolu on Monday (July 6), an extensive and comprehensive security cordon has been established across Ankara ahead of the summit. Turkish police, the Gendarmerie (paramilitary force), and intelligence agencies are working in close coordination to secure the Presidential Complex and its surrounding areas.

Security measures have been significantly reinforced not only on the ground but also across Ankara's airspace, major highways, and other strategically important locations. A total of 56,927 personnel have been deployed to ensure the summit's security, including 48,841 police officers, 7,447 Gendarmerie personnel, and 639 highly trained cybersecurity specialists.

Inside the Presidential Complex, the main plenary hall, venues for high-level bilateral meetings, and the designated areas for joint press conferences have been equipped with advanced communication and information technologies. In addition, an International Media Center has been established at the Presidential National Library to provide round-the-clock technical support to domestic and foreign journalists. A dedicated media task force comprising 850 personnel has also been formed to facilitate coverage of the summit.

To ensure the event runs smoothly, thousands of skilled personnel are working around the clock in protocol, security, healthcare, transportation, interpretation, and technical support services. Alongside the main sessions, several important bilateral meetings among member-state leaders and a number of side events have also been scheduled.

Diplomatic experts believe that the summit, being held on Turkish soil, will serve as a historic platform for addressing NATO's current security challenges and further strengthening cooperation among allied nations.