Turkey- NATO Together for Peace and Security Since 60 Years (2024)

Turkey- NATO Together for Peace and Security Since 60 Years (1)

Since its establishment, the security of the Republic of Turkey has been dictated by two main elements: geography and longstanding ties with the neighboring countries. In line with this global perspective, Turkish foreign policy has been built on the key elements such as cooperation and partnership, and respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Therefore, establishing and maintaining friendly relations with other countries; promoting regional and international cooperation through bilateral and multilateral schemes; resolving conflicts through peaceful means and enhancing regional and international peace, stability and prosperity are the guiding principles of Turkish foreign policy.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, Turkey made the historic choice of siding with the free world and the Western Bloc. This policy was led Turkey to become member of NATO on 18 February 1952. Since then, NATO has been the cornerstone of Turkey's defense and security policy.

Protocol regarding Turkey’s membership to NATO was signed on 17 October 1951. Law on the accession of Turkey to the North Atlantic Treaty was endorsed on 18 February 1952 and Turkey became a NATO member together with Greece.

As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our NATO membership, Turkey has been a staunch Ally of NATO and considers the Alliance as the linchpin of the Transatlantic ties and Euro-Atlantic security. NATO is known as the most successful defense alliance in the history. The Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, the founding document of NATO that refers to collective defense constitutes a valuable security guarantee for Turkey as well as for other Allies. On the other hand, Turkey is a valuable asset for NATO. Turkey assumed the responsibility to protect southeastern border of the Alliance during Cold War period. As a result of her proactive foreign policy and contributions provided to crisis management and peace-keeping missions, Turkey’s role within NATO constantly increased since the end of the Cold War.

Turkey's views on current issues of the Alliance

Turkey- NATO Together for Peace and Security Since 60 Years (2024)

FAQs

Turkey- NATO Together for Peace and Security Since 60 Years? ›

As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our NATO membership, Turkey has been a staunch Ally of NATO and considers the Alliance as the linchpin of the Transatlantic ties and Euro-Atlantic security. NATO is known as the most successful defense alliance in the history.

When did Turkey make peace with the Allies? ›

The Treaty of Lausanne (French: Traité de Lausanne, Turkish: Lozan Antlaşması) is a peace treaty negotiated during the Lausanne Conference of 1922–23 and signed in the Palais de Rumine in Lausanne, Switzerland, on 24 July 1923.

Was Turkey a part of NATO in 1955? ›

1952 - The accession of Greece and Türkiye

Three years after the signing of the Washington Treaty, on 18 February 1952, Greece and Türkiye joined NATO.

What is the relationship between NATO and Turkey? ›

Crucial strategic ally

Turkey has the second-largest military in NATO after the U.S., its Incirlik air base is a pivotal takeoff point for Western sorties into the Middle East like fighter jet flights over Syria and Iraq during the anti-IS campaign, and it even houses some 50 American nuclear warheads.

Who is Turkey's biggest ally? ›

Northern Cyprus is considered one of Turkey's closest allies. After World War II Turkey sought closer relations with Western powers. It became a founding member of the United Nations in 1945, a recipient of Marshall Plan aid and a member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1952.

Is Turkey a peaceful country? ›

İstanbul. The Australia-based Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) has released the 2023 Global Peace Index. According to the index, Turkey ranked 147th out of 163 countries, sharing this position with Iran.

What happened in Turkey in the 1950s? ›

The government of Adnan Menderes (1950-1960) proved very popular at first, relaxing the restrictions on Islam and presiding over a booming economy. In the latter half of the 1950s, however, the economy began to fail and the government introduced censorship laws limiting dissent.

Why did Turkey leave NATO? ›

Since the 2016 attempted coup d'état, the 2019 Turkish Offensive into North–Eastern Syria, the deterioration of relations between Turkey and the United States, the deterioration of relations between Greece and Turkey, warming relations between Turkey and Russia, and opposition towards Finland and Sweden in their ...

Why is Turkey so important to NATO? ›

Türkiye serves as NATO's vital eastern anchor on the straits of the Bosporus and the Dardanelles, which link the Black Sea with the Mediterranean. Türkiye contributes to international security alongside U.S. forces in Europe, Africa, and in the Mediterranean.

Why did NATO let Turkey join? ›

As the Cold War developed in the post-war era, dividing Europe into Eastern and Western blocs, Türkiye chose to side with Western Powers. It is this policy that led to its membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on 18 February 1952.

Is Turkey friends with Russia? ›

As a close partner of both Russia and Ukraine, Turkey is actively attempting to broker a peaceful solution to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, and has hosted a number of high-profile negotiations between the two countries. Turkey is currently the only NATO member which is not on Russia's unfriendly countries list.

How powerful is Turkey's military? ›

Turkey has one of the largest standing armies in NATO and invests significantly in defence, including local defence manufacturing capabilities that produce a range of military hardware, from drones and aircraft to ships and ground vehicles.

Is Japan in NATO? ›

In May 2023, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated Japan had no plans to join NATO as a member or semi-member state. In June 2023, it was reported that NATO and Japan had agreed to open its first Asia liaison office in Tokyo in 2024 for use as a hub for co-operation with Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.

Who is Turkey's enemy? ›

Turkey is engaged in a separate proxy conflict with Iran, which backs anti-Turkish forces in Syria, Iraq, Libya, the South Caucasus, and other regions.

Has Turkey quit NATO? ›

Turkey has been a member of NATO since 1952, has its second largest army and is the host of the Allied Land Command headquarters. The Incirlik and Konya Airbases have both been involved in several NATO military operations since their establishment.

Are US and Turkey friends? ›

Türkiye and the United States are North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies and longstanding partners. We have a proud history of working together in times of crisis and on regional security and prosperity.

Did Turkey help the Allies in ww2? ›

Turkey finally declared war on Germany in late February 1945. But at no time were they active combatants for the Allies. Turkey's neutrality during the war blocked Germany's access to the Middle East, thereby depriving Germany of an Arab alliance.

Why did Turkey join the Allies in ww2? ›

The explanation advanced in this paper is that President İnönü and his advisors abruptly changed their expectations, and hence their strategies, in the spring of 1940. Prior to that, his assumption was that the allies would win the war, and that Turkey's security could best be achieved by joining the winning side.

What was the treaty between Turkey and Allied powers in 1920? ›

The Treaty of Sèvres was signed on August 10, 1920, between the Allied powers and Turkey, but it was never ratified. The two primary representatives for the Allied powers were the British and French governments. Italy was represented at the negotiations but was not a major player during the discussions.

What happened in Turkey in 1923? ›

The Treaty of Lausanne was signed on 24 July 1923. On 13 October Ankara officially became the capital of the new Turkish state. On 29 October a republic was proclaimed, with Mustafa Kemal as its first president.

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