Ankara / Reporters / Anadolu

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his great pleasure at the meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He made the remarks to reporters on Wednesday after the conclusion of the 36th summit of heads of state and government of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) hosted by Ankara.

Macron said France represents a good model regarding defense spending.

He noted that his country doubled its military budget over the last ten years thanks to a number of laws that came into effect.

Macron added that France leads many NATO missions, continues its military presence on the alliance's eastern flank, and will also participate in NATO operations in Finland.

He explained that his country participates in military operations aimed at protecting European territory, and that France provides 80 percent of the naval capabilities that became necessary after the United States restructured its military capabilities on the continent.

He affirmed that Europeans are working on developing their own defense solutions.

**NATO is an alliance for peace and balance

Macron pointed out that Rafale fighters and the SAMP/T air and missile defense system contribute to strengthening European defense capabilities.

He affirmed his support for a Europe that defends its sovereignty and strategic independence within the framework of NATO.

Macron said: 'NATO is an alliance for peace and balance, and it exists for peace on the European continent. That is exactly what we defend when it comes to Ukraine and the Middle East.'

He added that the participants in the NATO summit reaffirmed their commitments to Ukraine.

Macron announced that the 'Coalition of the Willing' will hold its meeting again in Paris on July 13.

He explained that the meeting will be an opportunity for participating countries to discuss combating the 'Russian shadow fleet', launching new initiatives to strengthen defense capabilities, mobilizing defense industries to support Ukraine, and planning joint operations.

Macron added that participating countries will also be invited to attend the military parade in Paris on the occasion of the French National Day on July 14.

He stressed the importance of unifying allies' positions on Ukraine and the Middle East.

Regarding the mutual attacks between Iran and the United States in the Middle East, Macron said: 'Yes, I believe that the Iranian attacks and the violation of the agreement led to the US response.'

He considered that Iran 'erred' by launching attacks that violate the understanding, but noted that the deadline for completing the agreement, set at 60 days, has not expired yet.

He expressed his belief that negotiations between Washington and Tehran will continue.

Macron affirmed that the allies agree on the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open without conditions or transit fees, and on the withdrawal of Hezbollah and achieving peace and stability in Lebanon.

Macron said the mission to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz can be activated when necessary, including conducting mine clearance operations.

He added that he might consider redeploying military forces in the region if the situation on the ground deteriorates, but he clarified that current conditions do not warrant it.

**Very happy with this meeting

Regarding his bilateral meeting with President Erdogan, he said: 'We discussed everything. We talked about economy, defense, education, and many other issues that concern our citizens. There are matters that are reassuring, and others that need improvement. The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere. I am very happy with this meeting.'

He added that the talks also covered regional issues in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine.

In response to a question about the possible sale of the SAMP/T air and missile defense system, developed in partnership between France and Italy, to Turkey, he said that technical consultations on this matter are still ongoing.

**We must increase our defense spending for ourselves

On another note, Macron refrained from commenting on a question regarding the possibility of French politician Marine Le Pen, who was convicted in a corruption case, running in the next presidential election.

He reminded that he will not be able to run for a new presidential term under the constitution, saying: 'I am not a commentator on French politics. I am here to ensure our unity, make decisions, and act, and protect, defend, and represent our country.'

In response to a question about US President Donald Trump's demand for European countries to increase their defense spending, Macron said: 'We must do that for ourselves.'