Turkish President Erdogan Gifts NATO Leaders Personalized Pistols at Ankara Summit

During the NATO summit held in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented each NATO leader with a personalized pistol and a box of ammunition as a commemorative gift. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed this detail during a press briefing on his return flight to the UK, noting that each pistol bore the recipient's name. Erdogan also included a personal note to help recipients navigate Turkish arms export regulations. However, Starmer stated he could not bring the pistol into the UK due to British laws prohibiting such imports; the weapon will remain at the British embassy in Ankara until decommissioned.

Erdogan described the NATO summit as historic and successful, emphasizing that it laid the groundwork for strengthening the alliance and ensuring a fairer distribution of responsibilities among member states. He expressed particular gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he called a "dear friend," and noted that the attending leaders were impressed by soldiers dressed in the ceremonial uniforms of the Ottoman Empire's elite Janissary corps during the welcome ceremony.

President Trump also praised the Turkish hospitality, especially the dinner hosted by Erdogan. Despite his known preference for McDonald's meals, Trump rated the local cuisine highly, calling the dinner "10 out of 10, maybe even 12." He complimented Turkey's infrastructure and scenic views upon arrival, crediting Erdogan with making the country "much better and stronger."