Turkey has announced the detailed programme for the 36th NATO Summit, which will take place in Ankara from 6 to 8 July, with the main leaders’ meeting scheduled for Wednesday 8 July.
The NATO summit Ankara agenda begins on Monday with a press conference by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the International Press Centre of the Presidential Complex.
Defence cooperation and high-level meetings
The second day of the summit focuses on defence cooperation within the alliance, including the NATO Defence Industry Forum and multiple high-level meetings.
On Tuesday, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Turkish Defence officials will open the forum, followed by a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Foreign and defence ministers will also meet with counterparts from Gulf Cooperation Council countries under the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative.
Leaders’ gatherings and diplomatic events
A series of diplomatic receptions and working dinners will take place on Tuesday evening, hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan, alongside NATO defence and foreign ministerial meetings.
Attending guests include leaders from Ukraine, South Korea, and top EU officials, highlighting the summit’s global scope.
Trump set for key bilateral meetings
The summit will also feature bilateral meetings involving US President Donald Trump, who is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines.
A White House official said Trump will also use the summit to urge NATO allies to increase defence spending and intensify efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Summit conclusion
The NATO summit in Ankara will conclude on Wednesday with the North Atlantic Council leaders’ meeting, followed by a press conference by the NATO Secretary-General at 15:00.
The gathering is expected to shape key decisions on defence policy, Ukraine support, and alliance burden-sharing.
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