ANKARA — Turkey and the United Kingdom have signed a new defence and security cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening military ties and expanding strategic cooperation between the two NATO allies, during a bilateral meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The agreement was signed as the two leaders held talks focused on a wide range of issues, including regional security, defence cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and the future of relations between Ankara and London.
Officials said the new framework would provide a foundation for closer collaboration in the defence sector, including greater coordination between the two countries’ security institutions, increased dialogue between defence officials, and opportunities for industrial cooperation.
The deal comes as Turkey and Britain seek to deepen their strategic partnership amid growing security challenges in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Both countries are members of NATO and have maintained longstanding defence links, including cooperation on military technology and security matters.
During the meeting, Erdoğan and Starmer discussed international developments and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in addressing regional instability and shared security threats.
The Turkish president highlighted the importance of strengthening ties with Britain, describing the relationship as significant for both countries’ economic and security interests. Starmer said closer cooperation with Turkey was important for regional stability and advancing mutual interests.
The talks also covered broader areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, energy, and diplomatic coordination.
The agreement marks another step in efforts by Ankara and London to enhance their partnership beyond traditional political relations, with defence and security emerging as key areas of cooperation.
Turkey has in recent years expanded its defence industry and increased its role in regional security affairs, while Britain has sought to strengthen partnerships with key allies as part of its wider foreign and defence policy objectives.
Further details of the agreement, including specific areas of implementation and future defence projects, are expected to be announced by both governments.
