“Türkiye has been a valued and longstanding NATO Ally for 70 years. We appreciate its ironclad commitment to DDA and active involvement in the development of the New Force Model.

During the visit, General Cavoli laid a wreath and payed his respects at the Anitkabir Mausoleum, where the first President of the Republic of Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is buried. After the solemn moment, General Cavoli met with Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar, Chief of Turkish General Staff General Yasar Guler, and U.S. Ambassador Jeffry L. Flake.

Supreme Allied Commander Europe General (SACEUR) Christopher Cavoli conducted his first official visit to Türkiye to meet with defence leaders Aug. 3 - 4 to discuss a variety of topics related to the peace and security of the Euro-Atlantic area of operation.

Supreme Allied Commander Europe General (SACEUR) Christopher Cavoli conducted his first official visit to Türkiye to meet with defence leaders Aug. 3 - 4 to discuss a variety of topics related to the peace and security of the Euro-Atlantic area of operation.

Supreme Allied Commander Europe General (SACEUR) Christopher Cavoli conducted his first official visit to Türkiye to meet with defence leaders Aug. 3 - 4 to discuss a variety of topics related to the peace and security of the Euro-Atlantic area of operation.

During the meetings, General Cavoli discussed Türkiye’s contributions to NATO’s collective deterrence and its commitment to the Alliance.

“Türkiye has been a valued and longstanding NATO Ally for 70 years. We appreciate its ironclad commitment to DDA and active involvement in the development of the New Force Model. Turkish troops play an important role in NATO missions, operations and activities, while also making valuable contributions to NATO’s maritime posture in the Black Sea region,” said General Cavoli.

Chief of Turkish General Staff General Guler has conveyed best wishes to General Cavoli in his new assignment and shared his assessments on regional security and ongoing works in NATO.

“Türkiye, as one of the top contributors to the operations, missions and activities of NATO which is the longest and most successful alliance in history, reaffirms her commitments to the Alliance,” said General Guler. Moreover, he has highlighted that fight against terrorism without discrimination is important, and unity, cohesion and solidarity among Allies as the centre of gravity for the Alliance have become more crucial in today’s security environment with increasing threats and challenges.

The second day of the visit was spent at the NATO Allied Land Command Headquarters in Izmir, Türkiye where General Cavoli participated in a retirement ceremony for the outgoing Commander, Lieutenant General Roger Cloutier and officiated the Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) Change of Command welcoming the incoming commander, General Darrell Williams.

“NATO is the greatest alliance in human history; we deter and defend across the Euro-Atlantic area, 360-degrees, 24/7. In response to the illegal and unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, LANDCOM has been central to adapting NATO’s posture to ensure we remain ready to deter and defend,” said General Cavoli.