Top Turkish, UK officials discuss defence cooperation, Ukraine war

Türkiye's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin and UK prime minister's national security adviser Tim Barrow discussed bilateral issues and global developments including the war in Ukraine in a phone call on October 29.

Kalin and Barrow exchanged views on the political and economic relations between Türkiye and the UK, cooperation in the defence industry, the Russia-Ukraine war, and NATO bids of Sweden and Finland, according to Anadolu Agency.

Kalin expressed satisfaction on cooperation between the two strategic partners and NATO allies in different fields, especially the defence industry.

They agreed that the two countries should find new cooperation opportunities.

The phone call also focused on Türkiye's role in the NATO military alliance, with Kalin emphasising that allies should act in harmony and solidarity against common security risks, new challenges and all terrorist threats.

Turning to the Nordic NATO bids, Kalin said that Stockholm and Helsinki should fulfil their commitments under a trilateral memorandum and that Türkiye is closely following the steps taken in this regard.

Finland and Sweden applied for NATO membership in response to Russia's war on Ukraine but faced opposition from Türkiye, which accuses them of supporting terrorist groups such as the PKK.

The two Nordic countries signed a memorandum with Türkiye in June for cooperation in the latter's fight against terrorism. Ankara says it will greenlight their accession only if they address its concerns.

During the phone call, concern was also expressed over the escalation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the end of negotiations for a cease-fire. It was emphasized that the extension of war could seriously damage global peace and stability.

The officials also underlined the importance of diplomacy to find a solution while reaffirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Pointing out the responsibility assumed by Türkiye in this regard, Kalin stressed that Ankara will resolutely continue its attempts for a diplomatic solution, including the extension of the Istanbul grain deal.

Türkiye, the UN, Russia, and Ukraine signed an agreement in Istanbul on July 22 to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports, which paused after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February.

Russia has complained that its own grain and fertilizer exports continue to be blocked.

The parties are currently negotiating a possible extension and expansion beyond its November 19 deadline, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan saying Ankara is determined to transfer Russian grain and fertilizer to less developed countries.