Nawrocki and Erdoğan Hold Strategic Consultations Ahead of NATO Summit

During a Tuesday visit to Ankara, Polish President Karol Nawrocki met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to conduct essential security consultations ahead of the upcoming NATO summit scheduled for July 2026.

Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank

President Nawrocki emphasized that Turkey is a vital NATO ally and a key partner in maintaining European security, particularly within the Black Sea region. He noted that the two nations share a centuries-old tradition of mutual respect and cooperation.

A primary focus of the talks was the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, set to take place July 7–8, 2026. Nawrocki argued that the security of NATO’s eastern flank depends on integrating the strategic potential of Poland’s responsibility in the Baltic Sea with Turkey’s role as the largest land army in NATO Europe regarding the Black Sea.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Cooperation

The Polish President expressed satisfaction with Turkey’s active involvement as a strategic partner in the Three Seas Initiative. He further assessed that the visit confirmed the current relationship between Poland and Turkey, as well as the potential for further cooperation, remains at an excellent level.