Türkiye, Finland support closer NATO-EU cooperation in Helsinki talks

Türkiye and Finland have agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence and European security. Both countries held discussions in Helsinki to further these efforts.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan says Ankara and Helsinki are entering a new phase of cooperation, one that will strengthen NATO’s alliance and boost Europe’s security and defence capacity.

Speaking alongside his Finnish counterpart, Elina Valtonen, Fidan said that both countries plan to develop defence industry projects between their institutions and companies, following a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year.

He said that Türkiye is a critical NATO ally, consistently providing key contributions to Europe’s security. He also noted Ankara’s participation in the EU’s defense initiatives, particularly the Security and Defence of Europe (SAFE) mechanism, as he calls it, 'is of great importance.'

Fidan described the relationship as part of a broader effort to reinforce Europe’s defense capabilities, saying, “The EU would be incomplete without Türkiye, and Türkiye would be missing a key component without the EU.”

The ministers also discussed expanding economic cooperation, with trade between the two countries reaching nearly 1.8 billion dollars last year. Both sides expressed readiness to work together in renewable energy, information technology, and even the Arctic region.

The two ministers further discussed developments in Gaza with the Finnish Foreign Minister reaffirming Finland’s support for a two-state solution and praising Türkiye’s mediation efforts in the region.

Valtonen said Finland values Türkiye’s role as a vital security provider for Europe and the transatlantic alliance.
 

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