Foreign Minister Fidan in the UK

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has arrived in the UK as part of an official visit. During his contacts in the capital, London, Minister Fidan met with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. The ministers subsequently signed the Turkey-UK Strategic Partnership Framework Document.

In a joint statement issued by Turkey and the UK, it was stated: "Turkey and the UK have today signed a new Strategic Partnership Framework Document, which aims to launch a new era in bilateral relations. The Turkey-UK Strategic Partnership Framework Document signed in London today constitutes a solid foundation for strengthening dialogue and cooperation between our countries, which are NATO Allies and strategic partners that share a historic friendship, enjoy excellent bilateral relations, and share a common perspective on a wide range of international issues and global challenges, including their strong will for the security and stability of the Middle East."

Pointing out that the transition toward a multipolar, fragmented international order is accelerating on a global scale and that this has placed Turkey and the UK in a period of increasing risks, the statement said: "The political and military importance of NATO, which is the cornerstone of our security and collective defense, has increased. In addition to NATO’s Strategic Concept, its core tasks of deterrence and defense will continue to form the basis of our cooperation in ensuring Euro-Atlantic security. Strong transatlantic relations are indispensable for peace and stability in Europe."

The statement noted: "The Framework Document will enable Turkey and the UK to strengthen their cooperation against common challenges by working more closely together to promote global security and prosperity, increasing cooperation and coordination within NATO, including by strengthening the European pillar, enhancing cooperation on defense capabilities and the defense industry, strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism and organized crime, and advancing humanitarian and development cooperation. The document will also cover increasing cooperation between the two countries on combating climate change and energy security, as well as developing partnerships in the fields of science, technology, and innovation."

The statement, which noted that the Framework Document also takes into account the strong economic ties between Turkey and the UK, said: "The Framework Document confirms our intention to increase bilateral trade and investment, including the updating of the Free Trade Agreement, for which negotiations are already underway and which will also support joint economic growth. The meetings held in London today emphasized that the relations between Turkey and the UK are based on strong economic and commercial ties, a shared commitment to Euro-Atlantic security and defense, and enduring people-to-people bonds that will continue to strengthen mutual understanding and goodwill."

Turkey-UK Strategic Partnership Framework Document

Diplomatic sources stated that Turkey's bilateral relations with the UK, a NATO ally and strategic partner, are progressing in a positive direction in every field, especially in trade, investment, and the defense industry. Expressing that the two countries are also striving to produce solutions for ensuring security, stability, and prosperity through close dialogue and coordination in the face of regional crises and global challenges, the sources conveyed that the aforementioned Framework Document aims to further consolidate the existing strategic partnership between the two NATO allies across a very wide spectrum ranging from security to climate change, and from humanitarian development to science and technology, and to expand the scope of the cooperation strengthened by the close dialogue maintained at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

News Source: 12punto