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Outgoing British intelligence service MI6 Chief Richard Moore called Türkiye a country of "critical and great importance" to the international system during his final address at the British Consulate General in Istanbul on Friday.
"Türkiye, as it has been for centuries, is today a country of critical and great importance to the international system," Moore said in remarks delivered before handing over leadership to Blaise Metreweli.
The intelligence chief, who previously served as Britain's ambassador to Ankara from 2014 to 2018 and first came to Türkiye as a student to learn Turkish, emphasized that his choice to speak in Istanbul was not merely sentimental.
Moore highlighted Türkiye's role as a NATO ally strongly supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and independence while adhering to international law and the United Nations Charter.
He noted joint efforts against Daesh and work to strengthen Syria's stability following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Addressing Middle East developments after Oct. 7, 2023, Moore pointed to a two-state solution as the path to lasting security and prosperity for both Israelis and Palestinians.
"On all these issues, I work with my colleagues from the National Intelligence Organization (MIT)," Moore said, noting close cooperation with MIT's former head Hakan Fidan and current head, Ibrahim Kalin.
Moore also addressed ongoing regional challenges, stating "Gaza also needs peace" and emphasizing the need for reconstruction to prevent further Palestinian suffering.
On Iran, he insisted that "an Iran free of nuclear weapons must remain a priority."
Regarding counterterrorism efforts, Moore noted that while Daesh and al-Qaeda have been weakened, they continue seeking ways to regroup and spread violent ideologies online.
"We established contact with HTS one or two years before Bashar Assad was overthrown. We created a roadmap within weeks for the British government's return to the country," Moore revealed about Syria engagement.
Moore devoted significant attention to the Ukraine conflict, praising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's leadership as "critical."
"I remember the man I hosted for lunch in my first week as chief. He was still quite new to politics, an untested and unproven leader, but even then you could feel his courage and determination," Moore recalled.
"Watching him become a leader has been a remarkable privilege. My admiration for him is boundless," he noted.
On Russia's approach, Moore stated: "(Vladimir) Putin bit off more than he could chew. He thought he would win an easy victory, but he and many others underestimated the Ukrainians. Indeed, Putin's actions strengthened Ukrainian national identity and accelerated the country's orientation toward the West, and also convinced Sweden and Finland to join NATO."
Moore revealed that pre-war intelligence disclosures by the U.S. and Britain about Moscow's military buildup and attack plans helped halt Russia's initial advance and mobilize support for Ukraine.
The MI6 chief pointed to China's continuous support for Russia, both diplomatically and through dual-use products.
"Chinese-made chemicals used in their bombs, electronic components going into their missiles, prevented Putin from concluding that peace is the best option," Moore said.
While acknowledging China's rise as a significant 21st-century actor and permanent U.N. Security Council member, Moore stated: "As Britain, we want a respectful and constructive relationship with China."
He argued China should adhere to its publicly stated rules of established engagement and non-intervention.
Moore made a direct appeal to potential Russian sources, noting that not all Russians agree with Putin.
"Some bow their heads and try to continue their lives as best they can. Some, like Alexei Navalny, openly resist and die for their beliefs, but others do so secretly by working with MI6 intelligence officers," he said.
"I invite men and women in Russia who have truths to share and the courage to share them to contact MI6," Moore added, emphasizing MI6's appreciation for Russian culture and respect for the people's sacrifices during World War II.
In his farewell address, Moore reflected on changes during his tenure, including increased diversity with women in leadership roles and ethnic minorities reaching senior positions for the first time. However, he acknowledged that only 40% of staff are women, and ethnic minorities represent less than 10%.
Moore emphasized the importance of technology partnerships, revealing support for companies with breakthrough ideas in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology to strengthen national security capabilities.
"To stay secret, one must be more open," Moore said, recalling a phrase he used when taking office.
"By not retreating deeper into secrecy, by establishing the right partnerships, by employing personnel from all sections of society, and by being open enough to adapt to the speed of threats we face, we stay ahead," he noted.
After nearly 40 years in public service, Moore concluded with personal reflections on his intelligence career.
"Now I'm hanging up my cloak, putting my imaginary dagger back in its sheath, and handing over my famous green pen," Moore said, adding, "Running MI6 has been the privilege of my life."
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