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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that maintaining the cease-fire agreement between Iran and Israel represents one of Ankara's top strategic objectives following his meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
"The continuation of the agreement reached between Iran and Israel, not violating the cease-fire, and returning to lasting peace is one of our biggest strategic goals right now," Fidan said during a press conference following the bilateral meeting at the Foreign Ministry.
Fidan emphasized the strategic partnership between Türkiye and the United Kingdom, both NATO members with strong ties to Europe.
"Our foreign trade volume is currently approaching the $30 billion target. This is a goal we have pursued persistently in recent years," he noted.
He highlighted significant efforts by both sides and pointed to larger opportunities in trade and investment. "To further advance this, the Free Trade Agreement needs to be updated," he added.
Fidan underscored growing cooperation in the defense sector, saying, "Our cooperation in the defense industry is progressing extremely well. From the procurement of Eurofighter aircraft to other joint projects, our companies and institutions are working effectively."
Regarding foreign policy, Fidan said the two countries have aligned views on Gaza, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and the Russia-Ukraine war. "The cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine is currently supported by both sides."
"Maintaining the agreement reached between Iran and Israel, ensuring that the cease-fire is not violated, and moving toward a lasting peace is currently one of our most important strategic goals," Fidan reiterated.
"It is also important for us that the tragedy in Gaza ends immediately, a ceasefire agreement is signed, and the issue is resolved based on a two-state solution," he continued.
On Syria, Fidan said: "They (the U.K.) stated they will visit Syria soon. This is a significant area of cooperation for us. Stability and security in Syria will benefit both the region and the world. We will continue to work together on this."
Fidan also thanked his counterpart for the U.K.'s decision to lift sanctions on Syria. "This is really an important area of cooperation for us. Stability in Syria, security in Syria will benefit all of us both regionally and globally. We will continue to work together on this issue as well," Fidan said.
U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy noted the frequency of communication with Fidan: "During my 12-month term, I met with Minister Fidan every month—sometimes multiple times a month. This frequency reflects the close cooperation between the United Kingdom and Türkiye."
He cited cultural and people-to-people ties, saying, "This year, nearly 5 million of our citizens are expected to visit your country—one of the most beautiful in the world—and experience Turkish hospitality."
Lammy emphasized the importance of strengthening the bilateral trade relationship: "This Free Trade Agreement potentially supports a trade volume of 28 billion pounds ($38.3 billion). Businesses from Türkiye and the U.K. will collaborate, demonstrating strong economic cooperation and people-to-people ties."
Lastly, after the joint press conference, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with the U.K. foreign secretary at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.
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