NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone said on Wednesday that Türkiye will play a crucial role in the peace process between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the country’s importance to the alliance.
“Türkiye is doing a lot for the alliance. It is the second largest army in NATO,” Dragone said at a news briefing after the 18th Conference of the Chiefs of Staff of the Balkan Countries in Istanbul. He praised Türkiye’s combat readiness and efficiency, calling it “a strong pillar, a strong reliable ally.”
Dragone emphasized Türkiye’s significant contributions to NATO missions, especially in conflict zones, and pointed out that Türkiye will take command of the Kosovo Force (KFOR) starting in October. “This shows how much the alliance relies on Türkiye,” he added.
He described NATO’s current posture as “stronger than ever,” with two main threats: Russia and terrorist groups. Dragone said NATO is updating its defense strategy based on lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict to stay prepared for evolving threats.
Türkiye leads in unmanned aerial vehicles
Dragone also highlighted Türkiye’s early recognition of the importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their impact in saving lives across air, sea, and land operations. “Yours are on top. Yours are also combat-proven, which is meaningful,” he said.
He noted the strategic significance of UAV use at sea and praised the role of unmanned underwater vehicles in cost-effective patrol and deterrence missions.
Regarding the defense industry, Dragone urged companies to focus beyond profits and become an integral part of the defense system, meeting NATO’s operational needs efficiently.
The conference brought together military leaders from the region to exchange views and strengthen cooperation on security and stability.
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President Ilham Aliyev met President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Monday, where the two leaders reaffirmed that Azerbaijan–UAE ties are built on a strategic partnership.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are expected to meet in Istanbul on Friday for renewed discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme, according to reporting by Axios.
Limited crossings took place at Rafah on Monday, as patients and families moved through the gates for the first time in months. Photographers captured the tension, relief, and emotional toll of separation at a crossing long marked by both isolation and hope.
The Kremlin has confirmed that the next round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States will be held in Abu Dhabi on 4–5 February, after the meeting was postponed last week to align the schedules of all delegations.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States has begun negotiations with European leaders over Greenland and that an agreement is already taking shape.
The United States accused Cuba of interfering with the work of its top diplomat in Havana on Sunday (1 February) after small groups of Cubans jeered at him during meetings with residents and church representatives.
Dmitry Medvedev, said European countries have failed to defeat Russia in Ukraine and have instead inflicted serious economic damage on themselves, as he criticised EU policy, praised Donald Trump as a leader who seeks peace, and said Russia would “soon” achieve military victory in the war.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any U.S. military attack on Iran would spark a wider regional conflict, Iranian semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday.
U.S. president Donald Trump said Iran is “seriously talking” with the United States and expressed hope that negotiations could lead to an outcome acceptable to Washington.
Yanis Varoufakis delivered a blunt assessment: the European Union has missed every major chance to reform, poisoned its own democratic debate and is now entering a prolonged period of structural decline.
The Kremlin has confirmed that the next round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States will be held in Abu Dhabi on 4–5 February, after the meeting was postponed last week to align the schedules of all delegations.
Hungary has vowed legal action against the European Union over a planned ban on Russian gas imports by 2027, after Brussels said national objections would not override EU law.
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused French President Emmanuel Macron of authorising intelligence operations aimed at eliminating “undesirable leaders” in Africa, claiming that Paris is pursuing a political comeback after losing ground in several former colonies.
Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar are trying to organise a meeting in Ankara between White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and top Iranian officials, according to reports in the U.S. and Turkish media.
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