Turkish Ambassador: Defense Procurement Agreement with Kuwait Begins to Yield Results
The Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait, Tuba Nurgul Sonmez, affirmed that relations between the two countries are witnessing continuous development, and that defense and security cooperation has become one of the most prominent dimensions of their partnership. She emphasized that the security of Kuwait and Turkey are interconnected, and that both sides have begun reaping the fruits of the government-to-government agreement on defense procurement.
Sonmez, speaking during a reception hosted by the embassy to mark the 104th anniversary of "Turkish Victory Day," stated that relations between the two countries have continued to strengthen under the leadership of Kuwait’s Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, based on mutual trust, interests, and respect. She explained that the government-to-government agreement on defense procurement, signed during the visit of Kuwait’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, to Turkey two years ago, laid an important foundation for developing cooperation, confirming that both countries are now beginning to reap the benefits of this agreement.
She added that Kuwait’s acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles represents a prominent model of defense cooperation, anticipating further development in defense industries, military dialogue, training, exercises, and security cooperation.
Sonmez stressed that regional and international challenges increase the importance of enhancing security and stability among friendly nations. She noted that Turkey is keen to share its defense capabilities and expertise with its partners, driven by the conviction that security is no longer solely military, but also encompasses food, energy, and water. She said, “Our security is linked to the security of others; if my neighbor is not secure, I will not be secure.” She affirmed that military strength is not an end in itself, but a tool to serve peace and stability.
She pointed to the development of the Turkish Armed Forces and defense industries, thanks to modernization and investment in advanced technologies, particularly unmanned aerial systems. She reiterated that military force is a tool to serve peace, and that Turkish forces participate in NATO and United Nations missions. She also expressed her condolences to the families of military personnel and civilians who lost their lives in Kuwait due to Iranian attacks, praising the sacrifices of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces.
Diplomatic mission nearing its end
Sonmez stated that her mission in Kuwait is nearing its end after more than four years, revealing that the new Turkish ambassador will arrive on September 15. She expressed her pride in the progress achieved in bilateral relations.
In conclusion, the guest of honor, Air Marshal Fahd Falah Fehaim, Commander of the Kuwait Air Force, joined Ambassador Sonmez in cutting a ceremonial cake.
