Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said that the most difficult part of organizing the NATO Summit in Ankara was persuading US President Donald Trump to attend.

Speaking at the event "European Security After the Ankara Summit: Strengthening Cooperation Among NATO Allies Across Europe," Fidan stressed that Trump's participation was crucial for easing tensions between the United States and Europe, The Caspian Post reports via halktv.

"European security cannot be ensured solely within the framework of the European Union," Fidan said. "With its advanced defense industry, diplomatic capabilities, and role within NATO, Türkiye is one of the key pillars of European security. A more coordinated approach is needed, and Türkiye plays a central role in that process."

Fidan also argued that countries with strong defense industries, such as Türkiye and the United Kingdom, should be seen as natural and indispensable partners in Europe's defense cooperation.

He added that Europe should not view US calls for greater burden-sharing as pressure or a threat, but rather as an opportunity to take greater responsibility for its own security.