Turkish FM, Norwegian FM Highlight Bilateral Relations, EU Security Issues

By Janet Ekstract, ISTANBUL – High-level diplomatic talks took place in Ankara between Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan focusing on expanding bilateral relations and Turkiye’s inclusion in the European defense initiatives. During a joint press conference on Thursday, both ministers spoke about how strategically crucial Norway and Turkiye are in the security landscape of Europe. As Eide explained: “We have signed some strategic agreements with the European Union in security and defense areas,” adding “This is why we are already able to participate in these new European initiatives. We are participating in Europe’s defense preparedness initiatives through 2030. I think it is extremely important that a similar development be made with Turkiye.” Eide underscored that emerging informal security programs are including EU and non-EU nations, pointing out that Turkiye, Norway, the UK and at times Canada, have been invited to those security discussions between France and the UK which demonstrates a more expansive approach to European defense cooperation. As Eide reiterated: “We are becoming more involved,” further stating, “We have expressed that our collective defense should be in NATO. However, if there are armament initiatives or other initiatives for the European family, we indicated that we could participate in them.”Eide praised the talks as “extremely useful, constructive and productive” while emphasizing “bilateral relations are truly strong and continue to develop.” Both Norway and Turkiye are the only NATO members that bordered the Soviet Union during the Cold War which formed the basis for a mutual understanding of regional security dynamics. Meanwhile, after the U,S., Turkiye has the second largest military in NATO and its strategic location makes it of crucial importance in the defense and security of its NATO allies. Eide reemphasized how important it is for “all European and NATO countries “ to participate in the EU’s evolving security structure and reiterated: “It is important for us that the EU shows more interest in this issue and we welcome it. But this needs to be open, and even if there are some developments, there is still much work to be done.” Even EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has repeatedly underscored how crucial Turkiye’s role is in European defense as well as in diplomacy. While Eide noted that “Norway has successfully negotiated security agreements allowing its participation in EU defense readiness initiatives through 2030” even though it is not an EU member – he stressed that Turkiye deserves the same type of inclusiveness in the European defense framework. Both countries share the same view on the Russia-Ukraine war and staunchly agree that there must be a permanent peace agreement that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He underscored that Turkiye and Norway’s view on this major issue highlights their mutual viewpoint on European security challenges