Asia

Home page

Asia

Erdogan comments on Stoltenberg’s “corn” story in former NATO chief’s memoir

24 October 2025 13:07 (UTC +04:00)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commented on the remarks made about him in the book by former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, APA reports.

Erdogan, speaking to journalists on his return from Gulf countries, said he remembered the incident mentioned in the book.

"We always offer our guests corn and chestnuts, depending on the season. Mr. Stoltenberg was one of the NATO Secretaries General with a really positive attitude. He was a friend of mine who was my guest. These are not ordinary events. This is the essence of diplomacy. That is why such relations are important. We also have very good relations with the current Secretary General, Mark Rutte. The fact that Mr. Stoltenberg wrote and evaluated these in his memoirs shows the importance of the continuity of our relations. I hope that we will analyze this book mutually at our first meeting," Erdogan said.

Recall that in his book “On My Watch: Leading NATO in a Time of War”, former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrote that while discussing the Taliban, Erdogan asked him, “Do you like corn?” Stoltenberg said that after he replied “yes,” a large tray of corn was brought out, and 8–10 people sat down to eat together.