In mid-May, the foreign ministers of NATO countries will gather in Antalya, Turkey – despite sharp criticism from many about the development in the country, following the recent arrest of both Istanbul's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and Swedish journalist Joakim Medin.
Secretary-General Mark Rutte, however, dodges the question of whether it is really suitable to meet in Antalya.
It's an important meeting. It's important that it's informal and Turkey has offered to host, says Rutte briefly and concisely at his press conference ahead of this week's Brussels meeting.
Silent on tariffs
Rutte is equally unwilling to discuss the trade tariffs that NATO's most powerful member country, the USA, is about to introduce against most of the others.
The Alliance (NATO) is fully focused on defending our territory and handling the threat from Russia. When it comes to economic policy and the introduction of tariffs, it's entirely up to the national governments, says Rutte.
The relationship with the USA is likely to become a hot topic in Brussels. When Defense Minister Pete Hegseth made his first visit to NATO during the Defense Ministers' meeting in February, harsh messages were given about how the USA really views the war in Ukraine.
Now, curiosity – and concern – are great about what Foreign Minister Marco Rubio will say when he makes his first visit.
Sweden and Turkey
Formally, discussions are mainly expected about continued support to Ukraine and how much countries should spend on their defense.
Sweden is participating through Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) who has already warned in advance that she will bring up the arrest of Medin with her Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.
The latter will, in any case, have a hard time avoiding the Swede since Sweden and Turkey will be sitting next to each other at the meeting.
NATO's foreign ministers gather in Brussels on Thursday and Friday for their regular spring meeting.
Thursday's meeting consists of a working lunch from 12 o'clock, a meeting with colleagues from Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, and Japan at 15.30, and a working dinner with Ukraine from 18.30.
Friday's part consists of a meeting where EU's Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas also participates from 9 o'clock. A final press conference is held with Secretary-General Mark Rutte at 12.45.
Source: NATO
