President Gül to ask for reform at NATO summit

Gül will reportedly underline the importance of NATO's further adaptation to the currently emerging threats and new international issues.

During his address to world leaders, President Gül is particularly expected to note the issues in Afghanistan, reiterating a promise that Turkey “will continue to be in Afghanistan as long as the Afghan people want.”

Gül is also expected to comment on the NATO early warning radar system based in Malatya's Kürecik district, which has generated negative reactions from Russia and Iran. He will underline that no country has been named a threat and the radar in Malatya is for defensive purposes only, not intended to target a specific attack.

Gül will also reiterate Turkey's strong support of Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina's NATO bids. The Syrian crisis and recent developments in the region are also expected to be focuses of Gül's speech.

The two-day NATO summit in Chicago will focus on international affairs issues, including NATO's Deterrence and Defence Posture Review (DDPR), its stability in Afghanistan, its early warning radar system, developments in the Mideast, its expansion and financial status and its relations with Russia.