Former NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg supported Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s emphasis on terrorist attacks in Türkiye and the lives lost. Stoltenberg stated, “It was undeniable that Türkiye was one of the NATO countries most affected by terrorism.”

Stoltenberg noted that the U.S. and some allies viewed the PKK and YPG as different branches:

After the U.S. and other NATO countries armed the YPG, it was no longer possible to claim they were terrorists.

Former NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg

Memories of Corn and Tea with President Erdoğan

Stoltenberg recounted a memory of drinking tea and eating corn with President Erdoğan:

Erdoğan said, ‘Do you like corn?’ Then he said, ‘Then we will eat corn,’ and ordered corn from a staff member in the next room. Eight to ten people ate our corn together.

Former NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg

Stoltenberg also recounted Turkish President Erdoğan asking whether Türkiye could have the same right as the U.S. to operate in Syria and reminding him that thousands of Turkish citizens had died due to terrorist attacks:

Once again, Erdoğan was right. Through the coalition supported by NATO, we were conducting large-scale operations on land and in the air to destroy ISIS. We acted according to the principle of legitimate defense.

Former NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg

Finland and Sweden Process

Stoltenberg also discussed Türkiye’s role in Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership in his book: “The key was in President Erdoğan’s hands.” He noted that the burning of the Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm led Türkiye to suspend the membership process.

Ukraine and Bayraktar Drones

Stoltenberg shared his conversations with former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on the flight back from Kyiv. Poroshenko expressed satisfaction that Türkiye supplied Bayraktar drones, but was upset that the U.S. and NATO countries did not provide weapons.

July 15 Coup Attempt

During his visit to Ankara, the former NATO Secretary observed the devastating effects of the July 15 coup attempt:

There were piles of concrete and rubble in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, with a large hole above me caused by the bomb. That night, approximately 300 people lost their lives and 2,100 were injured.

Former NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg

Stoltenberg emphasized that Türkiye considered the West’s reaction insufficient:

Turkish people felt they were treated differently from other allies. President Erdoğan and the public viewed the coup attempt as a terrorist act and sought broader support.

Former NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg

Türkiye’s Strategic Importance in NATO

Stoltenberg highlighted Türkiye’s strategic importance in fighting ISIS and in the acceptance of new NATO members: “Türkiye became the focus of my attention during my time as NATO Secretary General.”