Turkey is important for the "security and stability of Trans-Atlantic area," the country's president said on Monday during a summit of NATO leaders, Eurasia Diary reports citing Yeni Safak. 

"We, therefore, are cognizant of our important responsibility not only for our own national interests but also for the security and stability of the Trans-Atlantic area and take our steps accordingly with this understanding," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a video message sent to the summit.

Underlining that "Turkey's borders are NATO's borders," he noted that Ankara was among the top five members of the alliance in terms of contributing to operations and missions and among the top eight in contributing to its common budget.

"In addition, Turkey is in charge of NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force this year in 2021," he added.

Turkey also has the second-largest army in the alliance, Erdogan said, asserting that his country "plays an active role in NATO's adaptation to current threats and challenges."

"The steps that we as allies will take for readiness and preparedness are as important as are the contributions we will make to our partners' capacity building," he added.

"Turkey will continue to contribute to the establishment of global peace, prosperity, and stability through its dynamic economy, robust defense industries, principled foreign policy, and collaboration with allies," said Erdogan.