Turkish Ambassador: Expanding cooperation with Kuwait in defense industries soon
The Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait, Tubanur Sunmez, emphasized the importance of defense and security cooperation between her country and Kuwait, noting that the defense procurement cooperation agreement signed by the two countries during the visit of His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, to Turkey two years ago, has begun to bear fruit through enhanced cooperation between the two nations in the defense industries.
Speaking on the occasion of the embassy’s celebration of the 104th anniversary of Turkish Victory Day, Sunmez stated that cooperation between the two countries in the defense industry sector has witnessed significant development in recent years. She stressed that current regional and international conditions make enhancing security, stability, and defense cooperation among friendly nations more important than ever.
She added that Turkey has experienced rapid development in its defense industry sector over the past 15 years, noting that Ankara does not view this development solely from a national perspective, but is keen to share its capabilities and expertise with friendly countries, driven by the conviction that “security is interlinked.” She clarified that the concept of security is no longer limited to the military aspect, but also encompasses food, energy, and water security, alongside military security. She affirmed that our security is linked to the security of others, and if their security is not ensured, mine will not be ensured either.
On the development of relations, the Turkish Ambassador expressed her satisfaction with the progress achieved during her tenure in Kuwait, particularly in the defense field. She stated that the government-to-government defense procurement agreement signed by the two countries formed an important foundation for enhancing cooperation, and that the two countries “are now beginning to reap the benefits of this agreement.” She pointed out that defense cooperation has become one of the key dimensions of the partnership between the two countries, alongside cooperation in military dialogue, training, exercises, and defense industries.
Sunmez said that the fraternal relations between Kuwait and Turkey have continued to deepen under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. She affirmed that these relations are built on mutual trust, shared interests, and mutual respect.
She noted that Kuwait’s acquisition of “Bayraktar TB2” unmanned aerial vehicles represents one of the most prominent examples of defense cooperation between the two countries, expressing her confidence that cooperation in the defense industry sector will witness further development in the coming phase, given the increasing security challenges facing the region.
She recalled Kuwaiti solidarity with Turkey following the devastating earthquake that struck the country, affirming that the scenes of support and aid provided by Kuwaiti society “will not be forgotten.” She revealed that the new Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait will arrive in the country on September 15, expressing her confidence that he will enjoy his time in Kuwait and receive the same support she experienced during her tenure.
She expressed her sincere condolences to the families of military personnel and civilians who lost their lives in Kuwait as a result of Iranian attacks, praying that God would envelop them in His vast mercy, while simultaneously praising the sacrifices of members of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and their role in safeguarding the security of the country and its people.
