(MENAFN) Türkiye’s advancements in the defense sector, its drive for strategic independence, and its shifting position in global power structures were explored on Friday during the TRT World Forum 2025 in Istanbul.

The event, organized under the theme “The Global Reset: From the Old Order to New Realities,” gathered leaders and specialists from across the globe to discuss pressing international issues.

A dedicated session titled “Building Strategic Autonomy: Türkiye and the Global Defence Paradigm” examined how Türkiye’s defense transformation corresponds with evolving global security frameworks.

Speakers included Murat Yesiltas, director of foreign policy studies at the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA); former British ambassador to Türkiye, France, and the United States Peter Westmacott; former British ambassador to Libya Peter Millett; and former Italian ambassador to Ankara Carlo Marsili.

Yesiltas highlighted that the European Union has long aimed for enhanced strategic independence in defense, but Russia’s war in Ukraine has renewed discussions across Europe about handling security risks from Moscow.

He emphasized that Türkiye seeks to establish a practical partnership with Europe in defense collaboration, adding that the country’s efforts to bolster strategic capabilities directly support its foreign policy, counterterrorism initiatives, and economic growth.

Westmacott described the world as entering an increasingly unpredictable and hazardous era, emphasizing the importance of strengthening defense capabilities for both European and smaller nations.

He pointed out that Türkiye had reached a significant milestone by increasing the domestic share of its defense production from 20% to 80%, and urged European allies to bolster their support for NATO.

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