Turkey, PH defense execs agree on deeper defense ties

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Turkish Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar discuss the latest developments and way forward for Philippines-Turkey defense and military relations, in a phone call on 01 October 2021. DND

MANILA, Philippines—Top defense officials of the Philippines and Turkey recently agreed to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation and other areas of mutual interest.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar talked over the phone last Oct. 1, the first between the two officials, the Department of National Defense said in a statement on Monday (Oct. 11).

Lorenzana expressed appreciation for Turkey’s continued interest in supporting the Philippines’ military upgrade program and said he looked forward to the completion of projects between the two countries.

Among the ongoing projects with Turkish defense companies are the procurement of amphibious armored combat vehicles from FNSS and attack helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries, according to the DND.

Top military officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Navy visited Turkey early this year, which served as opportunities to explore prospects to deepen military cooperation.

TSB