President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday received the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Istanbul amid growing ties between Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates.

According to Turkish sources, the meeting took place at the Dolmabahçe Working Office and was also attended by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

In a statement shared on his X account following his meeting with President Erdoğan, Sheikh Mansour said the UAE views strengthening partnerships and creating new opportunities for cooperation as a consistent pillar of its relations with countries around the world. He added that the two sides discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and expand it across various sectors in a manner that serves mutual interests and supports development and prosperity for both nations.

Erdoğan’s July 2023 visit to the UAE marked a new milestone in relations as the two countries decided to set up a high-level strategic council, essentially recognizing each other as strategic partners. Since then, commercial relations between the two countries significantly increased. Sheikh Mohammed was a guest of Erdoğan last July, co-chairing the first meeting of the council, after Erdoğan’s last visit to his country in February 2024.

The UAE is Türkiye’s biggest trade partner in the Gulf and bilateral trade volume was about $16 billion in 2024. The two countries aim to increase it to $20 billion in the short term and $40 billion in the medium term.

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Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken praised Türkiye’s defense industry as a “role model” ahead of a high-level economic mission to Ankara and Istanbul, highlighting growing cooperation between the NATO allies in defense, trade and technology.

Speaking before the May 10-14 visit, Francken said Türkiye had become a leading example in innovation, production capacity and defense research and development, particularly as European countries seek to strengthen their own military industries amid rising global tensions.

“The Turkish defense industry is truly at a very advanced level in terms of innovation and building a strong defense capacity,” Francken told Anadolu Agency (AA). “Therefore, they are a role model for me.”

The Belgian delegation, led by Queen Mathilde and regional government representatives, is expected to include more than 450 participants, among them dozens of defense companies, research institutions and universities seeking partnerships with Turkish counterparts.

Francken said around 40 agreements were already prepared for signing, with additional deals still under negotiation. He described the growing number of commercial and institutional partnerships as “a very positive and encouraging development.”

“A significant part of our defense sector is very interested in learning from the Turkish defense industry,” he said.

The remarks reflect increasing European interest in Türkiye’s rapidly expanding defense sector, which has gained international attention in recent years through advances in drone technology, naval systems, armored vehicles and domestic weapons production.

Francken said Belgium viewed Türkiye not only as an important NATO ally but also as a strategic economic partner positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

“Türkiye is a very great economic and geopolitical power,” he said. “We need to work together. This is in both our interest and Türkiye’s interest.”

Trade volume between the two countries has reached roughly $8 billion annually, according to Francken, who also oversees foreign trade. He emphasized the importance of expanding economic cooperation across multiple sectors, including defense, biotechnology, health sciences, agriculture and food processing.

He also praised Türkiye’s workforce and education system, describing the country as home to “hardworking people” and a large pool of highly qualified young graduates.

“This means there are many opportunities we can do together,” he said.

On security matters, Francken stressed the importance of preserving NATO unity at a time of strains within the alliance, warning against divisions between Europe and the United States.

“We are an alliance, and NATO is the strongest alliance in the last 80 years of human history,” he said. “If we divide, we lose; if we unite, we survive.”

Francken said he hoped tensions inside NATO would ease and voiced support for closer trans-Atlantic cooperation on defense production and industrial capacity.

“The summit is extremely important,” he said, referring to upcoming NATO discussions expected to focus heavily on defense manufacturing, joint production and burden-sharing among allies.

The Belgian minister also rejected calls in parts of Europe for developing an independent nuclear deterrent, cautioning against what he described as irresponsible rhetoric.

“Sometimes people and world leaders talk about acquiring nuclear capacity as if it were buying a sandwich,” he said. “I don’t think that’s a good approach.”

Instead, he argued that Europe should focus on strengthening conventional defense capabilities while maintaining close cooperation with Washington within NATO’s existing deterrence framework.

Francken also pushed back against the use of trade tariffs in relations with Türkiye, saying he favored deeper economic integration over protectionist policies.

“I don’t want customs tariffs with Türkiye,” he said. “I think we have a good partnership, a good agreement.”

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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday said there would be “no turning back” from the terror-free Türkiye initiative, describing the process as the country’s most strategic effort to strengthen national unity and eliminate terrorism permanently.

Speaking at the SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aviation and Space Industry Fair in Istanbul, Erdoğan linked Türkiye’s expanding defense capabilities with its broader security goals, including the ongoing initiative aimed at dismantling the PKK terrorist group’s armed structure.

“Today, the most strategic step we are taking to fortify our internal stronghold is the ‘terror-free Türkiye’ process and the goal of a terror-free region,” Erdoğan said.

“The terror-free Türkiye process is the name of a grand vision that aims to build a peaceful, secure, prosperous future where peace prevails,” he added.

The initiative has entered a critical phase in recent months, with Turkish authorities focusing on the practical implementation of disarmament mechanisms following the PKK’s announcement in 2025 that it would dissolve its organizational structure.

Ankara insists that the process must begin with the unconditional surrender of weapons before any broader legal or political discussions can proceed. Turkish officials say the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) will oversee verification and monitoring efforts to ensure militants fully disarm and withdraw from armed activity.

The process emerged after decades of PKK terrorism that claimed tens of thousands of lives in Türkiye. Officials have repeatedly emphasized that the current framework differs from the failed 2013-2015 reconciliation process by prioritizing concrete developments on the ground rather than political declarations.

Recent statements by senior PKK figures suggested internal tensions over control of the process, particularly between imprisoned PKK ringleader Abdullah Öcalan and commanders based in northern Iraq’s Mount Qandil region. Turkish officials view control over the group’s weapons and disarmament timeline as the key unresolved issue.

Erdoğan framed the initiative as part of a broader national struggle rooted in Türkiye’s history of resistance and unity.

“We went hungry, we went thirsty, we were left without weapons, without ammunition, but we never lost our faith, we never succumbed to despair,” he said.

“At the heart of this will lies the sacred memory and blessed legacy of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for their homeland and nation,” Erdoğan added, referring to security forces and civilians killed in terrorist attacks.

The president also stressed that Türkiye now possesses the military and technological strength to defend itself independently, highlighting advances in domestically produced fighter aircraft, drones, missiles, naval systems and electronic warfare technologies.

“Türkiye is a state that possesses more than enough power and strength to break the will of any hostile element that dares to threaten its independence and future,” he said.

The initiative has also exposed growing divergence between the PKK’s armed leadership and the pro-PKK Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), whose officials have publicly supported disarmament and warned the organization against delaying the process.

Turkish officials say the next stage will center on verification mechanisms, legal arrangements concerning militants not involved in crimes and ensuring the complete dismantling of the PKK’s armed infrastructure.

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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune oversaw the signing of a series of agreements in Ankara on Thursday, following bilateral talks and the first meeting of the Türkiye-Algeria High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

The two leaders signed a joint declaration marking the council’s first meeting, a step Ankara and Algiers described as part of efforts to deepen political, economic and institutional cooperation between the two countries.

The agreements covered a wide range of areas, including transportation, telecommunications, industry, agriculture, disaster management, media cooperation, investment promotion and broadcasting.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in postal services and telecommunications. Fidan also signed an agreement with Algerian Interior, Local Authorities and Transport Minister Said Sayoud on international passenger and freight transport.

Another memorandum, signed by Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş and Attaf, focused on the welfare of independence veterans and the relatives of martyrs.

Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi and Sayoud signed an agreement on the mutual recognition and exchange of driver’s licenses. The two ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in disaster and emergency management.

Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır and Algerian Industry Minister Yahia Bachır signed a memorandum between the two countries’ industry ministries. They also signed a separate agreement on cooperation in standardization, conformity assessment and training.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumaklı and Algerian Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries Minister Yacine El Mahdi Oualid signed an agreement on cooperation in plant protection and plant quarantine.

Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and Algerian Foreign Trade and Export Promotion Minister Kamel Rezig signed a joint declaration to launch negotiations on a preferential trade agreement, signaling an effort to further expand commercial ties between the two countries.

The Turkish presidency’s communications director, Burhanettin Duran, and Attaf signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in combating media disinformation.

Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu, head of Türkiye’s Investment and Finance Office, and Omar Rekkache, director general of Algeria’s Investment Promotion Agency, signed a memorandum on cooperation in investment promotion.

Two separate memorandums were also signed between Algeria’s public radio institution, EPRS, and Turkish public broadcaster TRT. TRT Director General Zahid Sobacı and Algeria’s ambassador to Türkiye, Boumediene Guennad, signed agreements covering cooperation in television and radio broadcasting.

The signing ceremony came after Erdoğan and Tebboune held one-on-one talks and chaired the strategic cooperation council meeting, which was established to provide a framework for closer coordination between Ankara and Algiers.

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Türkiye’s Presidency’s Disinformation Combat Center on Thursday denied claims that Syria’s monthly customs regulations were aimed specifically at Turkish exports, calling the allegations misleading, unfounded and aimed at undermining growing ties between the two neighbors.

In a statement shared on social media, the center said the Syrian government’s regulations were not directed solely at Türkiye but applied globally and were adjusted according to seasonal agricultural conditions. It stressed that reports suggesting otherwise distorted official decisions by Syria’s National Import and Export Committee.

The center noted that bilateral trade between Türkiye and Syria rose 24% year-over-year in the January-April period, surpassing $1.35 billion, despite claims of commercial restrictions.

Ankara and Damascus have rapidly expanded cooperation since the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in late 2024. The two countries held their first Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting in Istanbul last month, where officials outlined plans to boost annual bilateral trade from $3.7 billion to $10 billion.

The countries have also intensified diplomatic coordination and discussions on reconstruction, customs modernization, transportation corridors and regional security. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently visited Damascus for talks on rebuilding Syria and strengthening long-term cooperation.

The center urged the public not to trust what it called “black propaganda” targeting relations with neighboring countries.

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The Turkish Parliament approved an in-kind grant support agreement with Somalia on Thursday, as lawmakers highlighted Ankara’s expanding economic, security and development partnership with the Horn of Africa nation.

During debates at the Turkish Parliament, lawmakers from across the political spectrum discussed Türkiye’s growing role in Somalia, where Ankara has become a major investor and strategic partner over the past decade.

Cemalettin Kani Torun, a Bursa deputy from the New Path Party, said Turkish exports to Somalia had climbed to $273 million, while direct investments by Turkish companies exceeded $100 million.

“These figures did not come about spontaneously,” Torun said. “These are the fruits of a long-term and multi-actor commitment.”

He rejected accusations that Türkiye’s involvement in Somalia amounted to “guardianship” or colonialism, saying Ankara’s engagement was based on mutual benefit and “win-win” policies.

Torun also stressed the growing geopolitical importance of the Horn of Africa, arguing that Türkiye’s activities in Somalia, from trade to energy exploration, contribute to regional stability and counter outside interference.

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) lawmaker Kamil Aydın said instability and piracy around Somalia and the Gulf of Aden had long threatened international shipping routes and maritime trade.

He said Türkiye had taken an active role under international agreements to support peace, security and economic development in Somalia.

“With the mutual trust and cooperation gained, Türkiye has succeeded in taking very important bilateral, regional and global positive steps with Somalia,” Aydın said.

Opposition lawmakers voiced criticism over broader aspects of Ankara’s foreign policy and foreign aid spending. Good Party (IP) lawmaker Ayyüce Türkeş questioned Türkiye’s extensive aid commitments abroad amid domestic economic challenges.

Meanwhile, ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputy Group Chair Leyla Şahin Usta defended Türkiye’s Africa policy, describing it as rooted in “friendship and brotherhood.”

“Türkiye is in Africa to build and repair,” Usta said, adding that cooperation with Somalia had helped strengthen local ownership and development across the continent.

The bill was approved following parliamentary discussions. Somalia’s ambassador to Ankara, Fathudin Ali Mohamed, also attended the parliamentary session.

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