President Erdoğan and UK Prime Minister Starmer sign Eurofighter deal: 'I have a great desire'

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, "The implementation arrangements regarding the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets were signed during the inter-delegation meetings. I see this memorandum as a new hallmark of the strategic relations between us as two close allies. I believe that this cooperation with the United Kingdom will also pave the way for joint projects in the defense industry," he said.

Expressing his pleasure in hosting UK Prime Minister Starmer in Turkey, President Erdoğan said, "As strategic partners and allied countries, we have a close dialogue with him on many issues that occupy the international agenda beyond bilateral matters. The focus of our meetings today was our trade and defense relations. As you know, the United Kingdom is among our largest trade and investment partners. We are determined to increase our trade volume first to 30 billion dollars, and then to 40 billion dollars," he said.

President Erdoğan emphasized that they are determined to further strengthen economic relations between the UK and Turkey. Underlining that relevant institutions and organizations are addressing many measures, including the updating of the free trade agreement, President Erdoğan said, "We are also focusing on opportunities for joint investments in third countries. We aim to establish new partnerships in the fields of energy and the defense industry. Furthermore, we are very pleased that a large number of UK citizens see Turkey as their second home. We have also begun negotiations for the signing of a bilateral cooperation framework document between us in order to make the best use of this potential. I believe that with these steps, we will rapidly carry our relations and strategic partnership to a much higher level," he assessed.

President Erdoğan stated that the implementation arrangements regarding the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets were signed during the inter-delegation meetings and said, "We have just signed the declaration of cooperation on this matter in your presence with Mr. Starmer. I see this memorandum as a new hallmark of the strategic relations between us as two close allies. I would like to thank Mr. Starmer and his team for the work carried out by the United Kingdom within the Eurofighter Consortium throughout the process. I also express my appreciation to the leaders of the other allied countries that are members of the consortium for their constructive stance," he spoke.

Noting his belief that this cooperation with the UK will also pave the way for joint projects in the defense industry, President Erdoğan said, "Today, I also had the opportunity to evaluate the developments in Gaza once again with my dear friend. On this occasion, I would like to congratulate the Prime Minister once again in your presence, on my own behalf and on behalf of my nation, for their decision to recognize the State of Palestine. We view this decision as a courageous step on the path to a two-state solution. Considering the approaching winter conditions, it is of great importance to deliver the humanitarian aid needed by the people of Gaza. I believe that we will take steps together with the United Kingdom on this issue as well. We all have responsibilities in terms of maintaining the ceasefire achieved in Gaza and preventing violations. For this, the current government in Israel, in particular, needs to be reined in," he said.

Adding that they also evaluated the latest developments in Ukraine with Starmer, President Erdoğan said, "We reaffirmed our common stance towards resolving this war, which is completing its fourth year, with a just peace as soon as possible. Regarding Syria, we emphasized in our meetings today that lasting stability will be possible with the support of the Syrian government. Naturally, while these efforts are being sustained, we focused on the importance of preventing the efforts of internal and external actors to drag the country into instability," he stated.

"THERE ARE THINGS WE CAN DO ON MANY DIFFERENT ISSUES"

Touching upon the importance of the momentum gained in Turkey-UK relations, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, "We have the opportunity to strengthen this truly important relationship. Both countries may be at opposite ends of Europe, but together we are two countries that are currently working much closer than ever before. We are working as NATO allies for the common security of Europe. We are supporting Ukraine again within the framework of the Coalition of Volunteers. And we are working together for peace in the Middle East. In this sense, I would like to specifically highlight the role you have played. The first phase of the peace plan in Gaza is being fulfilled. We are currently at the stage of implementing this agreement as soon as possible, and we are trying to bring the region to a much better point. Of course, our partnership includes trade, the negotiation of a new modern free trade agreement, security, counter-terrorism, migration, energy, and many different issues that we can work on together," he said.

"TURKEY HAS INCREASING ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE"

Emphasizing that Turkey has increasing economic and strategic importance, Starmer said, "We have taken a very big step here today and are announcing a strategic partnership. We are announcing the first UK-Turkey bilateral cooperation framework here. And this is truly very important; it is a step that will increase the depth of our existing cooperation and carry it further. At the heart of all this is the agreement we signed today. The United Kingdom will provide Turkey with 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, and there is an option to provide more in the future. This will deepen and increase security in NATO, increase our bilateral defense industry cooperation, and at the same time, it will increase economic growth both here and in the United Kingdom, and in this context, 20 thousand job opportunities will be provided, and we will work on the joint creation and construction of these aircraft. In this sense, it is a study of truly strategic importance. It will also support the Turkish Air Force in the coming years as you protect NATO's southeastern flank for the benefit of us all," he said.

"I HAVE A GREAT DESIRE TO SUPPORT WORKING TOGETHER"

Stating that they held negotiations at very advanced stages today, Starmer said, "We have also decided to start our work regarding the re-launch of the Tatlı Dil Forum. This will create a dialogue not only between the two countries but also among businessmen, parliamentarians, academics, and scientists, and this will ensure the support of science and innovation in both countries and the movement of our partnership and solidarity to the next stage. This is a very important symbol of our commitment and intention in this regard. Therefore, this is a historic day, and in this sense, I would like to thank the President for the hospitality he has shown, for the warm welcome, and for his partnership. I have a great desire to fulfill these common interests and common intentions in the future and to support working together. I would like to express that I would be very happy to be in Ankara again at the NATO summit next year," he expressed.