Of course, every summit is described as historic, but this time it really is. Transatlantic relations have come under significant strain recently. That is why demonstrating unity is extremely important. This will send a strong message not only to the Alliance but also to our adversaries.

Axar.az reports that EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas made the remarks in an interview with Anadolu News Agency while commenting on the NATO Summit in Ankara, ahead of her June 29-30 visit to Turkiye.

She described Turkiye as NATO's second-largest military power and said the country has a very strong defense industry.

"Turkiye is an EU candidate country. Of course, there have long been issues concerning fundamental rights and freedoms, which are at the core of the accession process. However, from NATO's perspective, Turkiye has the Alliance's second-largest military and a very strong defense industry. Therefore, it occupies an extremely important position within NATO. When we look at the broader framework of European security, particularly regional stability, including stability in the Caucasus, we need to maintain dialogue with Turkiye," she said.

"Turkiye is a partner of strategic importance. It is an important country not only in areas such as migration, but also in terms of defense and regional stability. When we look at developments in the Middle East, Turkiye also has an important role there," she added.