- Blueprint signed for a closer defence relationship between
the two nations.
- Both sides agreed on the need to maintain support for
Ukraine.
Defence Secretary, , today signed a Statement of
Intent on defence co-operation, with his Turkish counterpart,
Minister of National Defense, Yaşar Güler. This will provide the
framework for closer working to deliver additional activities
that will benefit the security and prosperity of both countries
and, in so doing, enhancing national, regional and international
security.
Following the signing, activity will see closer collaboration
between both countries’ defence industries, the identification of
possible joint training exercises in the Mediterranean, and the
exploration of security support around North Africa and the
Middle East.
As well as discussing the need for de-escalation in the Middle
East, the Defence Secretary thanked his counterpart for utilising
Türkiye’s influence as the gatekeeper to the Black Sea to enable
the export of millions of tons of Ukrainian grain to nations who
need it most.
There was strong agreement on the need to keep focused on our
collective support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s continuing
aggression.
Defence Secretary, said:
“I was very pleased to meet my counterpart, Minister Güler, and
to jointly agree to deepen the UK-Turkish defence relationship.
“Türkiye stands at the crossroads of three continents and, at a
time of such global instability, their influence cannot be
underestimated.
“The agreement we’ve signed will see our relationship go from
strength-to-strength and enhance our nations’ defence and
security co-operation.”
In his first face-to-face meeting with his Turkish opposite
number, the Defence Secretary welcome the progress made on
Sweden’s accession to NATO and hoped to see Turkish ratification
through parliament as soon as possible.
The signing of the agreement and bilateral meeting came following
increased co-operation between the UK and Türkiye on defence
matters over the preceding years.
