Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a significant step forward in bilateral relations during a joint press conference at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.

The two leaders met for extended bilateral and inter-delegation talks focused on strengthening economic ties, expanding defense industry collaboration, and addressing pressing international issues, notably the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Eurofighter Deal Sealed: “A Symbol of Strategic Partnership”

Speaking at the press conference, Erdoğan announced that Türkiye and the United Kingdom had finalized implementation agreements on the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets — one of Europe’s most advanced multirole combat aircraft — following months of technical discussions between defense officials.

“The implementation agreements on the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets were signed during the inter-delegation meetings,” Erdoğan said. “Mr. Starmer and I just undersigned the declaration of cooperation on this issue. I view this agreement as yet another symbol of our strategic relationship as two close allied countries.”

President Erdoğan extended his appreciation to Prime Minister Starmer and the British team for their role in facilitating the process within the Eurofighter Consortium, which includes the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain. He also noted that Ankara hopes to deepen its defense collaboration with London through new joint projects in aviation, naval systems, and advanced technology.

Economic Cooperation and Trade Expansion

The two leaders also agreed to push forward economic cooperation, reaffirming their shared goal of boosting bilateral trade volume to $30 billion in the short term and $40 billion in the medium term.

“As you know, the UK is one of Türkiye’s top trade and investment partners. We remain steadfast in our determination to reinforce our economic relations,” Erdoğan stated. “Our relevant institutions are taking the necessary steps in this direction, including updating our free trade agreement. We also focus on opportunities to undertake joint investments in third countries.”

Prime Minister Starmer, for his part, commended Türkiye’s economic resilience and emphasized the UK’s readiness to work on new energy, green transition, and digital economy projects with Turkish partners.

“I am confident that Türkiye and the United Kingdom can become leading players in shaping the sustainable and secure energy systems of the future,” Starmer said, adding that British companies were eager to expand investments in Türkiye’s renewable energy and defense industries.

People-to-People Ties and Tourism                

Erdoğan also expressed satisfaction with the growing number of British citizens choosing Türkiye as their second home or holiday destination, saying that both governments aim to further facilitate travel and cooperation in tourism, education, and culture.

“In a bid to fully benefit from this potential, we initiated the negotiations on the signing of a cooperation framework document,” Erdoğan explained. “With these steps, we will swiftly further our relations and strategic partnership.”

Gaza and Palestine: “A Brave Step Toward Justice”

A significant part of the Erdoğan–Starmer dialogue centered on developments in Gaza. President Erdoğan praised the UK’s recent decision to recognize the State of Palestine — a historic move welcomed by Ankara as a “courageous and moral stance.”

“On this occasion, I would like to congratulate Mr. Prime Minister once again on their recognition of the State of Palestine,” Erdoğan said. “We regard this decision as a brave step on the path to a two-state solution.”

He stressed the urgency of securing humanitarian access for Gazans facing worsening conditions under siege and winter hardship. “It is of critical importance to ensure access to the humanitarian aid needed by the people of Gaza,” Erdoğan said. “We can take joint steps with the UK on this issue. The current government in Israel must be reined in to preserve the ceasefire and prevent further violations.”

Ukraine and Syria: Shared Calls for Just Peace

The leaders also discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, reaffirming their commitment to diplomacy and a “just peace.” Erdoğan and Starmer agreed on the need to maintain dialogue channels and prevent escalation.

On Syria, Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s stance that long-term stability requires engaging with the Syrian government and deterring both internal and external actors seeking to destabilize the country. “We underscored that concurrently with these efforts, attempts to drag the country into instability must be prevented,” he said.

A Renewed Strategic Partnership

The Erdoğan–Starmer meeting marks the first official visit by the British Prime Minister to Türkiye since taking office, signaling renewed momentum in bilateral relations after several years of diplomatic quiet. Both sides described the talks as “frank, constructive, and forward-looking,” setting the stage for deeper cooperation across defense, trade, and humanitarian fronts.

As President Erdoğan concluded: “This visit and the agreements we have signed today will strengthen the foundation of the Türkiye–United Kingdom strategic partnership, built on mutual respect, trust, and shared global responsibility.” (ILKHA)