Allies in Ankara: Türkiye’s Security Vision and Role in NATO’s Evolving Strategic Landscape

The Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), the Munich Security Conference and the Directorate of Communications organized the “Allies in Ankara” program at Ankara Palas on the sidelines of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit. Over 1,500 participants joined more than 50 events, with our experts taking part in many of the summit’s critical conversations.

Opening Bell

The program opened with our Research Director Kılıç Buğra Kanat and MSC CEO Benedikt Franke ringing the ceremonial bell. The tradition, which marks the official start of every Munich Security Conference convening, was brought to Ankara for the occasion.

Special Conversation with İbrahim Kalın

In a session moderated by Kılıç Buğra Kanat, Türkiye’s Director of National Intelligence İbrahim Kalın rejected the “southern flank” label often applied to Türkiye: “NATO has one center, and that is in Brussels. We do not accept the establishment of hierarchies among allies. We base cooperation on equal relations.”

Kalın emphasized that NATO represents unity rather than uniformity, describing the alliance’s multidimensional structure as a source of strength. Noting that the current period is defined by uncertainty, he added that times of uncertainty can also give rise to new opportunities.