The UK and Turkey are preparing to sign a security and defense partnership agreement on the sidelines of the NATO summit, Bloomberg reports, citing sources.
According to the agency’s sources, the document is to be signed on Wednesday during a meeting between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The agreement provides for cooperation between the two countries in countering cyber threats, fighting terrorism, and the defense industry.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry and representatives of Starmer’s office declined to comment.
The UK and Turkey already have close ties within NATO. One of the key elements of their cooperation has been a deal to sell Ankara 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
The new partnership is being formalized as the US reviews its long-term commitments to European security. Under these circumstances, Turkey is becoming a potential partner for allies, capable of partly filling the emerging vacuum.
London also believes Ankara is increasing its influence over US foreign policy, while European countries are finding it harder to keep Donald Trump on their side.
On the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump called Turkey a “great ally” after meeting Erdogan.
The US president also said Washington would lift CAATSA defense sanctions on Turkey, allowing Ankara to purchase F-35 fighter jets. The details of a possible deal, however, remain unclear.
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