NATO’s Core Values Face Unprecedented Threats, warns Fidan

Speaking at a dinner hosted for foreign ministers attending an informal NATO meeting in Turkey’s Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, Fidan underscored the alliance’s enduring strength and the urgent need for unity.

“NATO remains the most successful alliance in history, not just because of its military might but because we stand for shared values, principles, and ideas,” Fidan told the gathering.

He highlighted the growing dangers posed by hybrid threats and terrorism, which he said jeopardize democratic systems across member states.

“Our greatest strength in facing these challenges is our solidarity,” he added.

The Antalya meeting, held ahead of the NATO Summit in The Hague in June, is set to feature intensive discussions on pressing global security issues for two days. Fidan expressed hope that the informal setting of the dinner would foster open exchanges among ministers, paving the way for collaborative solutions.

Reflecting on history, Fidan drew parallels between modern challenges and the ancient city of Side, founded in the 7th century BC near Antalya.

“The principle of achieving peace through collective power and shared values is as relevant today as it was then,” he said, urging NATO allies to remain united despite differing perspectives.

Fidan called for practical steps to bolster the alliance, including equitable burden-sharing across the Atlantic, enhanced cooperation in the defense industry, and investments in innovative defense technologies.

“These efforts demand tough, bold decisions from our governments in a world of competing priorities,” he noted.

He also voiced concern that some allied nations take security for granted, showing reluctance to adapt to evolving threats.

“It’s our duty to communicate the scale of these dangers clearly, without causing alarm, and to reassure our people that they are not alone,” Fidan said, emphasizing the need for NATO to articulate its strategies effectively.

According to the diplomatic sources, Antalya meeting underscores the importance Turkey is attaching to NATO and Euro-Atlantic security. Sources recalled that the meeting in Antalya will constitute very good preparation for the leaders’ summit to be held in The Hague next month.

They recalled that Turkey will host next year’s NATO summit at the leaders’ level.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on late Wednesday arrived in Antalya to attend the meeting.

He is also expected to meet with Fidan.

Source: HDN