The United States did not invite Turkey to the Democracy Summit… Statement from the White House

While tensions are on the agenda between Turkey and the US on a number of issues, including NATO enlargement and sanctions against Russia, discussions continue over the Joe Biden administration’s failure to invite Turkey to the Democracy Summit.

More than 120 leaders were invited to the second of the Democracy Summit, which was seen as one of the Biden administration’s most important foreign policy initiatives and started yesterday, notably Turkey was not among the invited countries. Foreign Policy magazine, one of the major US media organs, also commented on the fact that Turkey and Hungary did not receive an invitation, “Biden rejected NATO allies who destroyed their own democracies.”

A notable statement came from the US regarding the summit, which is expected to end tomorrow.

Emphasis on DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

According to Voice of America news, John Kirby, White House National Security Council Coordinator of Strategic Communications, when asked why NATO members Turkey and Hungary were not invited to the Democracy Summit led by the United States, said: “The decisions on the guest list, the democratic institutions of countries, human rights, rule of law and were made in accordance with the will to support the freedom of the media.”

“The summit coincides with a period when the United States and NATO want unity, especially in Ukraine. Is there a reason these two allies were not invited and is there any concern about their possible reaction given the importance of NATO unity? Responding to the question, Kirby said that they are extremely determined to move forward and strengthen relations with the two NATO allies, and will continue to work together on many different issues of common interest and concern.

Emphasizing that they are determined to support democratic institutions, human rights, the rule of law and a free press at the same time, the White House official said: “Decisions on whether to include countries on the summit list will be They took all of this into account. The newly invited countries in 2023 show a clear political will to support the summit themes,” he said.

Turkey was not among the countries invited to the first Democracy Summit in 2021.