Turkish president meets with UK premier on sidelines of NATO summit

THE HAGUE/ ISTANBUL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Wednesday on the sidelines of a NATO summit in The Hague, where the two discussed bilateral ties and pressing regional and global issues.

During the meeting, Erdogan voiced hope that Iran and Israel will stick to the ceasefire reached on Monday, stressing that these tensions must not be allowed to overshadow the Gaza humanitarian crisis, according to Türkiye's Communications Directorate.

Underlining that violations of international law by Israel’s government in Palestine are unacceptable, Erdogan stressed that Türkiye’s priority is the establishment of a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.

Reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to supporting the stabilization of Syria while preserving its territorial integrity and political unity, Erdogan warned that Israel’s attacks on Syria could also endanger regional security, and added that improvements in social and economic welfare would facilitate the large-scale return of refugees to Syria.

The Turkish president also emphasized his country’s commitment to promoting a just and lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.

Türkiye will continue to enhance relations with the aim of boosting the bilateral trade volume to $30 billion, with efforts ongoing to strengthen cooperation in all areas, particularly in the defense industry, the Turkish leader said.

During the meeting, the president was accompanied by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, Akif Cagatay Kilic, chief presidential adviser on foreign policy and security, and Justice and Development (AK) Party Deputy Chair Halit Yerebakan.

Including Starmer, Erdogan is holding a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.