Turkey marks 68 years of accession to NATO

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - Ankara "will continue to work with our allies in unity and solidarity," said the head of the Turkish delegation to NATO Parliamentary Assembly on Tuesday, marking the 68th anniversary of Turkey’s accession to NATO.

“Today we proudly celebrate the 68th anniversary of Turkey’s accession to NATO. Throughout 68 years our country has protected NATO’s borders and upheld the Alliance’s values and principles," Osman Askin Bak, who's also a lawmaker of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, said in a tweet.

Turkey, which joined the military alliance between 29 North American and European countries in 1952, boasts of having the second-largest army among member states after the U.S.

Separately, Turkey's Foreign Ministry said the country was "among the top contributing allies to NATO".

"Since 1952, we have been assuming important responsibilities in NATO operations and missions. #WeAreNATO," it said in a statement.

Turkey attaches utmost importance to NATO’s role in maintaining security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.

Formed in 1949, NATO’s purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.