Sonmez: Kuwait's acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 drones is one of the most prominent examples of defense cooperation with Turkey
- Defense cooperation has become one of the key dimensions of the partnership between Turkey and Kuwait.
Tuba Nur Sonmez, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Kuwait, affirmed that Kuwaiti-Turkish relations are witnessing continuous development across various fields. She pointed out that defense cooperation has become one of the important dimensions of the partnership between the two countries, alongside cooperation in military dialogue, training, exercises, and defense industries.
In her remarks during a reception held to mark the 104th anniversary of Turkish Victory Day, Sonmez stated 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 emphasized that these relations are built on mutual trust, shared interests, and mutual respect.
Sonmez added that Kuwait’s acquisition of “Bayraktar TB2” unmanned aerial vehicles represents one of the most prominent examples of defense cooperation between the two countries. She expressed confidence that cooperation in the field of defense industries will witness further development in the coming phase, given the increasing security challenges facing the region.
The Turkish Ambassador clarified that her country places great importance on dialogue, diplomacy, cooperation, and mutual respect, alongside enhancing defense capabilities. She stressed that military strength is not an end in itself, but rather a tool in the service of peace and stability.
She emphasized that Turkey views its armed forces as an “army for peace,” noting the participation of Turkish military personnel in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and United Nations missions, as well as other multinational operations, in addition to training and security cooperation programs with several countries.
Sonmez noted that the Turkish Armed Forces have undergone significant development over the past decades, thanks to continuous modernization, training, operational experience, and investment in advanced technologies. She highlighted that Turkey has also succeeded in developing an advanced defense sector that is competitive on a global scale. In this context, she affirmed that Turkey has achieved remarkable accomplishments in the field of unmanned aerial systems, considering that the development of Turkey’s defense industries reflects the technological progress achieved by the country and the confidence that Turkish defense products enjoy among its partners.
On this national occasion, the Turkish Ambassador reverently recalled the founder of the Republic of Turkey, 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 serve their country and contribute to achieving security and peace.
She also conveyed her sincere condolences to the families of military and civilian personnel who lost their lives in Kuwait as a result of 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.
Sonmez affirmed that the end of her tenure as Turkey’s ambassador to Kuwait holds special feelings for her. She expressed her pride in having witnessed the continuous development of Kuwaiti-Turkish relations, and reaffirmed her confidence that the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries will continue to grow and flourish in the coming years.
