Published：Jul 8, 16:00Last updated：Jul 9, 16:32

Erdogan Gifts NATO Leaders Engraved Revolvers

Jul. 8, 2026 16:00

土耳其总统埃尔多安在北约峰会结束后向与会领导人赠送刻有名字的左轮手枪和子弹。英国首相斯塔默表示由于英国严格的枪支管制，他将手枪交由官员保管。欧盟官员指出这种礼物可能触犯欧盟礼品价值限制。

Summarized

14News

12Media

Jul. 9, 2026 16:19

At the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkish President Erdogan presented personalized revolvers to attending heads of state and government. The unusual gifts created security concerns for the delegations, complicating their departure from the summit.

Jul. 9, 2026 16:32

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented engraved revolvers with bullets to Nato leaders after the Ankara summit, raising security concerns. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned the unusual gift on his flight back. The leaders were left wondering what to do with the guns and bullets. Published on July 9, 2026.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sparked diplomatic discussions after gifting personalized revolvers with live ammunition to NATO leaders during the summit in Ankara. The engraved firearms, presented in wooden display boxes with cleaning kits, were given to attendees including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Several recipients immediately declared they wouldn't bring the weapons home due to national firearms regulations.China.org+2

🎁 Unusual Diplomatic Gesture

The custom revolvers featured each leader's name and were presented as farewell gifts following security discussions. Erdogan framed the gesture as showcasing Turkey's defense industry capabilities. However, the inclusion of live ammunition raised eyebrows among recipients and protocol experts.National Post+2

🔒 Security and Protocol Concerns

Multiple delegations faced logistical challenges transporting the weapons, with UK officials confirming Starmer's gift remained in Turkey. Belgium's prime minister reportedly discovered the firearm in his luggage post-summit, prompting questions about screening procedures during the high-security event.Reuters+2

🌍 Mixed International Reactions

Russian Ambassador Rodion Miroshnik sarcastically referenced the gifts as Erdogan's "conflict resolution method." While some viewed it as a cultural gesture, EU officials noted potential violations of gift value limits. Most recipients opted to decommission or donate the firearms rather than retain them.RIA Novosti+2

🏭 Defense Industry Showcase

The vintage-style revolvers were produced by Turkish manufacturer Sarsılmaz, with Erdogan emphasizing their symbolic representation of Turkey's growing arms manufacturing sector. Each set included a display stand and commemorative plaque highlighting Turkish craftsmanship.Süddeutsche Zeitung+2

Mark CarneyKeir StarmerRodion MiroshnikRecep Tayyip ErdoganUrsula von der Leyen