The Turkish capital, Ankara, is preparing to host the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Turkish media outlets have confirmed that the summit will bring together heads of state and government from 32 member nations, alongside foreign and defense ministers. Notably, US President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the high-level gathering.
In addition to NATO member states, representatives from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea—collectively known as the AP4 countries—are set to participate. The summit is expected to focus on critical security issues concerning both the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.
For the first time, the Defense Industry Forum, previously held as a side event, has been integrated into the official summit program. Furthermore, special ministerial-level meetings are planned under the framework of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative.
To ensure the security of the event, authorities have mobilized 56,288 security personnel, including 48,841 police officers and 7,447 gendarmerie members. Additionally, 639 cybersecurity specialists will operate around the clock to monitor digital threats. The summit is expected to draw nearly 3,000 journalists and media representatives, with the media center located at the Presidential National Library. TRT will broadcast the event live using 80 cameras, with primary leader sessions held behind closed doors following opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
NATO summits serve as the alliance's highest-level decision-making forum, providing a platform for leaders to address evolving geopolitical challenges, strengthen collective defense, and reaffirm the organization's commitment to global stability.
