'Comprehensive Defense and Security Consultations' between Turkey and the United Kingdom

According to a post shared on the ministry's social media account, "Comprehensive Defense and Security Consultations" were held between Turkey and the United Kingdom in London on May 29-30.

Comprehensive consultations were held within the framework of strategic cooperation between the Turkish delegation, led by Major General İlkay Altındağ, General Director of Defense and Security at the Ministry of National Defense, and senior officials from the UK Ministry of Defense, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the Cabinet Office.

Within the scope of these contacts, the Turkish delegation met with Major General Mark Ridgway, Director of the Integration Design Authority and Defense Future at the UK Ministry of Defense; Nick Catsaras, Director of International Security at the Ministry of Defense; Paul Wyatt, Director General of Defense Policy; Dr. Christian Turner, Political Director at the FCDO; Andy Start, CEO of Defense Equipment and Support; and Lieutenant General Harvey Smyth, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff of the Royal Air Force.

DEVELOPMENTS REGARDING EURO-ATLANTIC SECURITY DISCUSSED

As a concrete reflection of the deep alliance and long-standing friendship between Turkey and the United Kingdom, representing their shared commitment to contributing to peace, security, and stability at regional and global levels, the parties reviewed their contributions to strengthening NATO's deterrence and defense posture within the framework of shared responsibilities and exchanged views on recent developments regarding Euro-Atlantic security.

Within the scope of the talks, support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity was reaffirmed, and the necessity of a lasting and just solution based on international law was emphasized.

In this context, issues such as support for the stability of a new regime regarding the situation in Syria, capacity-building efforts, the fight against the DAESH terrorist organization, and the implementation of a single-army policy were addressed.

KEY ELEMENT OF STABILITY IN LIBYA

It was emphasized that supporting the United Nations-led political process in Libya is a key element in achieving the country's security and political stability.

Regarding Somalia, positive views were shared on continuing joint efforts in capacity-building and training activities for local security institutions.

Both sides agreed that increasing joint efforts to ensure sustainable security and stability in these regions would be beneficial and expressed their determination to further deepen existing cooperation through concrete projects and institutional mechanisms.

The talks also confirmed a common understanding on strengthening cooperation in multilateral platforms, institutionalizing bilateral contacts, and maintaining follow-up processes at the technical level.

The Turkish delegation was accompanied by the Turkish Ambassador to the United Kingdom and the Military Attaché. Both countries reiterated their determination to further strengthen their strategic partnership in the field of defense and security.

News Source: AA