Turkish Ambassador: Kuwait and Turkey's security are interlinked... and we have begun reaping the fruits of defense cooperation

Osama Diab: The Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait, Tuba Nour Sonmez, affirmed that Kuwaiti-Turkish relations are witnessing continuous development across various fields. She noted that defense and security cooperation has become one of the main dimensions of the strategic partnership between the two countries, amid growing regional and international challenges.

During a speech at a reception hosted by the embassy to mark the 104th anniversary of Turkish Victory Day, attended by Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Fahad Al-Kharinj, Sonmez stressed that “Kuwait’s and Turkey’s security are interconnected.” She confirmed that both countries have “begun to reap the fruits” of the intergovernmental agreement on defense procurement, signed during the visit of Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled to Turkey about two years ago.

She stated that fraternal relations between Kuwait and Turkey have gained increasing momentum in recent years under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. She added that these relations are based on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests, and are experiencing growing development at all levels.

Sonmez explained that the intergovernmental agreement on defense procurement laid an important foundation for developing cooperation in defense industries, considering Kuwait’s acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 drones as one of the most prominent practical examples of the growing defense cooperation between the two countries.

She expressed confidence that Kuwaiti-Turkish cooperation in defense industries will witness further development in the coming phase, alongside the enhancement of military dialogue, training programs, exercises, and security cooperation.

Sonmez emphasized that current regional and international developments impose increasing importance on strengthening security, stability, and defense cooperation among friendly nations. She clarified that Turkey does not view the development of its defense industries solely as a national achievement, but is keen to share its capabilities and expertise with friendly countries, driven by the belief that security is “interconnected.”

She added that the concept of security is no longer confined to the military dimension, but now includes food, energy, and water security alongside military security. “Our security is linked to the security of others; if my neighbor is not secure, I will not be secure either,” she stated.

In this context, the Turkish ambassador stressed that her country places great importance on dialogue, diplomacy, cooperation, and mutual respect, alongside enhancing defense capabilities. She affirmed that military force is not an end in itself, but a means to serve peace and stability.

Turkey views its armed forces as an “army for peace,” she noted, pointing to the participation of Turkish military personnel in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and United Nations missions, as well as their involvement in various multinational tasks and security training and cooperation programs with friendly countries.

She highlighted that the Turkish Armed Forces have undergone significant development over the past decades due to continuous modernization, advanced training, operational experience, and investment in technology. She explained that the Turkish defense industry sector has experienced a rapid transformation over the past 15 years, contributing to the establishment of an advanced and globally competitive defense industry.

She drew attention to Turkey’s achievements in the field of unmanned aerial systems, considering the development of Turkish defense industries as a reflection of the country’s technological progress, as well as the confidence Turkish defense products have gained among its partners.

On this Turkish national occasion, Sonmez reverently recalled the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, his comrades-in-arms, martyrs, and veterans. She expressed her appreciation for the members of the Turkish Armed Forces who continue to fulfill their duty in serving their country and contributing to consolidating security and peace.

She also conveyed her sincere condolences to the families of military and civilian personnel who lost their lives in Kuwait due to Iranian attacks, praying that God may have mercy on them. At the same time, she praised the sacrifices of members of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and their role in protecting the country’s security and its people.

Kuwait as a “Second Home”

In another context, the Turkish ambassador expressed special feelings toward Kuwait as her diplomatic mission, which lasted more than four years, comes to an end. She explained that the Victory Day celebration was the first official event hosted by the embassy during her tenure, and it will also be her final reception before leaving the country.

She expressed pride in the progress achieved in bilateral relations during her tenure, particularly in the defense field, affirming that it is a source of pride for her to have contributed to supporting the advanced level reached by relations between the two countries. She expressed hope that her successor will continue this approach and achieve further accomplishments.

She specifically recalled Kuwait’s stance following the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey, emphasizing that the scenes of solidarity and aid provided by Kuwaiti society “will not be forgotten.” She noted that Kuwaiti support reached the embassy within the first hours of the disaster, including tents, clothing, baby diapers, food, and other basic necessities. She praised the initiative of a Kuwaiti businessman to provide tents urgently, explaining that the aid was transported to affected areas on a Turkish Airlines plane. She also visited the disaster-stricken areas alongside Kuwaiti officials.