07.07.2026 19:50
Local and foreign media representatives showed great interest in the NATO Ankara Summit. Haberler.com Editor-in-Chief Av. Bedia Teymur and Haberler.com Ankara Representative Şerife Güzel are following the historic summit on-site. In her live broadcast from Ankara, Güzel shared the views of experienced foreign colleagues who have observed past summits, saying, 'Journalists say, "From now on, it will be very difficult for countries that will host NATO summits, because Turkey has raised the bar to an unattainable level."'
Ankara is hosting one of the most critical meetings in the history of international diplomacy. The first day of the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit, described as "the most important summit in history" and hosted by Turkey, witnessed unforgettable diplomatic moves and magnificent events.
Şerife Güzel, Ankara correspondent for Haberler.com, shared the hot developments, behind-the-scenes information, and organizational details of this grand event in the capital live on air. Answering the questions of presenter Dilşad Özcan, Güzel summarized the behind-the-scenes of the intense diplomatic traffic in Ankara and Turkey's strategic role at the summit in these words:
FIRST-EVER DEFENSE INDUSTRY FORUM AND TAI VISIT
Şerife Güzel stated that defining the first day of the summit merely as a political meeting would be insufficient, and emphasized that a Defense Industry Forum was organized, marking a first in NATO's history. In this forum, led by the Presidency of Defense Industries, the national technologies developed by Turkey received full marks from the allies.
Following the forum, foreign delegations and leaders were hosted at the TAI Ankara Facilities, the new heart of Turkey's defense industry. Participants had the opportunity to closely examine sources of pride such as the national combat aircraft KAAN and the unmanned aerial vehicle Bayraktar TB2, which were showcased there. The first day's program, crowned by a breathtaking performance by the Turkish Stars, concluded with a reception held in honor of the participants.
ERDOĞAN-TRUMP MEETING BECAME FOCAL POINT OF THE WORLD
Among the 32 leaders attending the summit, the most eagerly anticipated contact was the bilateral meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and US President Donald Trump. Extremely positive messages for Turkey emerged from the meeting, which was followed closely by the world press.
US President Trump once again emphasized his warm relationship with President Erdoğan, while giving clear signals that sanctions imposed on Turkey would be lifted. This cordial atmosphere was interpreted as a historic clue regarding the future of allied relations and Turkey's strong position within NATO.
MOTTO OF THE SECOND DAY: LEADERS' SUMMIT AND FAMILY PHOTO
Stating that the second day of the summit would begin with a much earlier and more intense pace, Güzel noted that journalists would take their places at the Presidential Complex before 7:00 AM. The critical highlights of the second day are as follows:
Welcome Reception and Press Briefing: The day will start with the official welcoming ceremony of the NATO Secretary General and his press briefing early in the morning.
Critical Family Photo: President Erdoğan will greet the allied leaders one by one, followed by the traditional "Family Photo" that will draw the attention of the entire world. The stances of the leaders in the photo and the messages they convey will be closely monitored.
Joint Statement: The summit will conclude with the issuance of a historic joint statement that will shape global security, following the completion of the Leaders' Meeting.
PRAISE FOR TURKEY FROM FOREIGN PRESS: THE BAR HAS BEEN RAISED VERY HIGH
Ankara's organizational success was admired by international press members. Şerife Güzel, stating that she spoke with experienced journalists who had followed many past summits, expressed that the organization operated "flawlessly and without interruption."
Güzel reported that her foreign colleagues commented, "Countries hosting NATO summits from now on will have a very difficult job, because Turkey has raised the bar to an unattainable level."
The Nation's Library, transformed into an international media center, received great praise for its uninterrupted workspaces, unlimited catering, and the high level of hospitality shown by the staff. While top-level security measures were taken to ensure the safety of over 30 leaders simultaneously, logistical solutions such as keeping metro lines open to avoid inconveniencing the capital's residents also received full marks.