French President Emmanuel Macron made statements to journalists after the NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Ankara. Regarding his bilateral meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Macron said, 'We talked about everything. We discussed the economy, defense, education, and many issues concerning our citizens. There were satisfactory aspects as well as areas that need improvement. The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere. I am very pleased with this meeting.'
Macron said that regional issues in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine were also discussed at the meeting. In response to a question about the sale of the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system, which is on Turkey's agenda, he replied, 'Technical consultations on this matter are ongoing.'
NATO is an alliance of peace and balance
The French President said his country sets a good example on defense spending. Noting that France has doubled its army budget thanks to laws enacted over the past decade, Macron stated that France plays a leading role in many NATO missions and maintains its military presence on the alliance's eastern flank.
Emphasizing that Europeans are trying to develop their own defense solutions, Macron said, 'NATO is an alliance of peace and balance; it was founded for peace on the European continent. When it comes to Ukraine and the Middle East, that is exactly what we are defending.'
Ukraine and the Russian shadow fleet
Macron said that the leaders attending the summit reiterated their commitments to Ukraine, and announced that the 'coalition of the willing' will meet again in Paris on July 13. He said that the meeting will address the fight against the 'Russian shadow fleet,' new initiatives to increase defense capabilities, mobilizing defense industries to support Ukraine, and joint operational planning.
Macron also stated that participating countries will be invited to the military parade to be held in Paris on the occasion of France's national holiday on July 14.
Messages on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz
Touching on the mutual attacks between Iran and the US in the Middle East, Macron assessed, 'Iran's attacks and violation of the agreement led to the US response. Iran made a mistake by carrying out attacks contrary to the agreement reached.' However, recalling that the 60-day period foreseen for the completion of the agreement has not yet expired, Macron expressed his belief that negotiations between Washington and Tehran will continue.
Stressing that the allies agree that the Strait of Hormuz must be kept open without any conditions or transit fees, Macron said that Hezbollah must withdraw and peace and stability must be achieved in Lebanon. He added that the mission to ensure navigational safety in the Strait of Hormuz could take action, including mine-clearing operations if necessary, and that if the situation on the ground deteriorates, redeploying military forces to the region could be considered, but current conditions do not require it.
Defense spending and domestic politics
Regarding US President Donald Trump's call for European countries to increase defense spending, Macron said, 'We must do this for ourselves.' Macron left unanswered a question about French politician Marine Le Pen's possible presidential candidacy following her conviction, and recalling that under the constitution he cannot run for another term, he said, 'I am not commenting on French politics. I am here to ensure our unity, make decisions, take action, and protect, defend and represent our country.'
