Türkiye and UK sign strategic partnership to boost security, trade

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper signed a “Strategic Partnership Framework Document” in London on Thursday, establishing a renewed roadmap to advance bilateral relations and expand cooperation. The Turkish Foreign Ministry announced the signing on the US-based social media platform X, noting that the framework covers areas from security to climate change and from humanitarian development to science and technology.

NATO alliance and shared challenges

A joint statement explained that the framework aims to strengthen the existing strategic partnership between the two NATO allies and expand cooperation through close dialogue at both bilateral and multilateral levels. It creates a strong basis for dialogue and cooperation as strategic partners who share historic friendship, excellent bilateral ties, and common perspectives on international issues — including a strong desire for security and stability in the Middle East. The statement noted that the accelerating shift toward a fragmented, multipolar order heightens risks for both nations, underscoring the continued importance of NATO’s deterrence and defense.

Trade, defense, and technology

The framework aims to deepen cooperation on global security, NATO coordination, defense industry collaboration, counterterrorism, and humanitarian efforts. It also expands joint work on climate change, energy security, and science and technology innovation. The statement reaffirms the intention to increase bilateral trade and investment, including through talks on a modernized Free Trade Agreement. “The talks in London underline that relations between the UK and Türkiye are rooted in strong economic and growth ties, a shared commitment to Euro-Atlantic security, and enduring people-to-people links,” the statement added.