Michael Forsayt, Speaker of the UK House of Lords, made important assessments regarding Türkiye in his speech at the NATO Parliamentary Summit held in Istanbul. Forsayt emphasized that Türkiye is a valuable partner for Britain in many areas.
Forsayt said, "Türkiye, located at the intersection of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, is a valuable partner for Britain in many areas. You play a vital diplomatic role in establishing connections between regions and mediating conflicts."
In addition to House of Lords Speaker Forsayt, UK House of Commons Deputy Speaker Judith Cummins and France's Head of Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Natalya Pouzyreff also attended the summit.
Emphasis on NATO's deterrent role
Stating that NATO is the cornerstone of Britain's defense policy, Forsayt said all member states stand together against threats to freedom, democracy and the rule of law. "Deterrence is much cheaper than conflict; collective defense is more effective than acting alone," said Forsayt, noting the changes brought by artificial intelligence and cyber technologies and stressing their readiness to adapt to this situation.
Messages of support for Ukraine
Forsayt stated that Ukraine has been subjected to Russian attacks for years and said, "Today, Ukraine is resisting this aggression on behalf of all of us here. Therefore, we owe a great debt to the Ukrainians. Their struggle is our struggle."
Judith Cummins noted that for 77 years, NATO has provided security and prosperity by uniting around shared history and values. Pointing to global tensions, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, Cummins said, "At this most dangerous moment in our history, as NATO members, we need each other. We must cooperate more closely and strengthen the principle that an attack on one is an attack on all." Cummins emphasized that today's challenges have become less predictable, competition has increased, and new technological threats have emerged.
French delegation head's assessment on G7 and Ukraine
Natalya Pouzyreff recalled that the G7 leaders' summit in France addressed the resolution of the situation in the Middle East and passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Pouzyreff noted that a joint statement was issued under the G7 recognizing Ukraine's territorial integrity and calling for increased military aid to the country, saying, "It is necessary to confirm that Ukraine's future lies in NATO." Pouzyreff added that Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration directly contributes to security and regional stability.
