More than 40 countries representing a combined economic output of $70 trillion will convene at the upcoming NATO Ankara Summit, underscoring Türkiye’s newly established central role in Europe’s broader security and economic architecture, the head of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) told Anadolu.

Sekib Avdagic said the highly anticipated summit, which will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, will bring world leaders to Türkiye.

Avdagic said Türkiye’s rising global standing is due in large part to its domestic defence industry’s progress over the past two decades, which will be showcased during one of the main events of the broader gathering, the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum (NSDIF26), set to begin on the first day of the summit.

“NATO’s premier event in transatlantic defence production, investment, and innovation is important for Türkiye,” he said.

NATO chief says Ankara summit to focus on delivery

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said that the upcoming summit in Ankara will focus on delivering the commitments made at last year's Hague Summit.

"The summit will focus very much on delivery. We did a lot in The Hague last year, but now we have to deliver on The Hague," Rutte said in a video posted on US social media company X.

Rutte said the leaders will discuss credible spending plans, "making sure all nations are on track to reach the 5%."

Turkish head of communications says Ankara NATO summit will shape alliance's future

Turkish Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran said that the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara will be critical for both the alliance's future and the evolving global security architecture.

Speaking to journalists at the International Media Center ahead of the July 7-8 summit, Duran said the gathering, which has been described under the concept of "NATO 3.0," would address key strategic issues.

"This summit, which has come to the fore under the concept of NATO 3.0, is very important. Very important issues will be discussed in Ankara, both for NATO's future and for how the global architecture will be shaped," Duran said.

Duran said the summit is expected to attract the highest-level participation ever at the level of heads of state and government, alongside numerous bilateral meetings.