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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan characterized the newly signed Eurofighter Typhoon agreement as a milestone in Turkish-British relations Monday, expressing confidence the defense cooperation would expand beyond the fighter jet acquisition to encompass joint military projects.
"We view this understanding as a new symbol of strategic relations between us as two close allies," Erdogan said during a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the presidential complex in Ankara.
The Turkish president thanked Starmer and his team for their work within the Eurofighter Consortium throughout the negotiation process, while also expressing appreciation to leaders of other consortium member nations — Germany, Italy and Spain — for their constructive approach.
Erdogan said he believes the collaboration with the UK "will open the door to joint projects in the defense industry." Implementation regulations for the Eurofighter Typhoon procurement were signed during delegation-level talks, with both leaders adding their signatures to a cooperation declaration on the deal.
Starmer said the defense agreement "will deepen and increase security in NATO" and strengthen bilateral cooperation in the defense sector. The two leaders also announced plans for a strategic partnership framework, which would be the first UK-Türkiye bilateral cooperation framework of its kind.
Economic relations formed a central focus of Monday's discussions, with Erdogan outlining ambitious targets for expanding commerce between the two countries. "We are determined to increase our trade volume to $30 billion initially, then to $40 billion," the president said.
The UK ranks among Türkiye's largest trading and investment partners. Erdogan said relevant institutions are implementing numerous measures to strengthen economic ties, including updating the free trade agreement. The leaders also explored opportunities for joint investments in third countries and establishing new partnerships in energy and defense industry sectors.
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On regional matters, Erdogan congratulated Starmer on the UK's decision to recognize the Palestinian state, calling it "a courageous step toward a two-state solution."
The Turkish president emphasized the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza's population as winter approaches. "We all have responsibilities in preserving the ceasefire achieved in Gaza and preventing violations," Erdogan said. "For this, especially the current government in Israel needs to be reined in."
The two leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, reaffirming their shared commitment to achieving a resolution through just peace. On Syria, Erdogan stressed that lasting stability would require supporting the Syrian government while preventing internal and external actors from destabilizing the country.
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