On 16 March, NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC) 27 travelled virtually to Türkiye for their third day of Field Study. Course Members received briefings from experts to better understand key aspects of Turkish foreign and defence policy, including national security considerations.
Welcome remarks were delivered by BGEN Molnar Director of Academic Operations who was introduced by the Turkish Senior National Representative at the College, Min Plen Kayihan.
The first briefing was conducted by Mr Eyüp Can Dervisoglu who is the Head of Department of NATO and Euro-Atlantic Security and Defence Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye. He spoke on key aspects of the Turkish foreign policy. He recalled that 2022 marks the 70th anniversary Türkiye’s accession to NATO.
The second briefer of the day was Rear Admiral Altunbulak, who is the Deputy General Manager for Security and Defence Affairs at the Turkish Ministry of Defence. He explained the structure and operating methods of the Turkish Armed Forces, its contributions to NATO operations and missions, and highlighted some key national security considerations. The third and final briefer was Rear Admiral Bilican from the Turkish General Staff who is Head of the Greece-Cyprus and maritime-aviation division, who gave an overview of the Turkish defence and security policy, as well as counter-terrorism efforts.
All sessions were followed by a Q&A session.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Laura Garcia Pesquera, ESP C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN