Turkey and the United Kingdom sign 'Strategic Partnership Document'
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper signed the 'Framework Document on Strategic Partnership'.
The framework document aims to further strengthen the existing strategic partnership between the two NATO member countries across a wide range of issues—from security to climate change, from human development to science and technology—as well as to expand the scope of cooperation, reinforced by close dialogue at bilateral and multilateral levels.
'The Strategic Partnership Document signed today in London between Turkey and the United Kingdom provides a solid foundation for enhancing dialogue and cooperation between our countries, which are NATO allies and strategic partners, share a historic friendship and excellent bilateral relations, and hold common views on a wide range of international issues and global challenges, including their firm commitment to security and stability in the Middle East,' reads a joint statement by the foreign ministers.
'The political and military significance of NATO, the cornerstone of our security and collective defense, has increased. Alongside NATO's Strategic Concept, core tasks such as deterrence and defense will continue to form the basis of our cooperation in ensuring Euro-Atlantic security. Strong transatlantic relations are indispensable for peace and stability in Europe.'
The framework document will contribute to strengthening the European component of NATO, including through closer cooperation to promote global security and prosperity, enhance defense capabilities and the defense industry, as well as bolster collaboration in combating terrorism and organized crime, and develop cooperation in humanitarian and development areas. It will reinforce cooperation between Turkey and the United Kingdom in addressing shared challenges. The document will cover issues of expanding cooperation between the two countries in combating climate change and ensuring energy security, as well as developing partnerships in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
The document reaffirms the strong economic ties between Turkey and the United Kingdom, the intention to increase bilateral trade and investment, including updating the Free Trade Agreement, negotiations for which are currently ongoing and which will also contribute to joint economic growth.
Source: Anadolu
