At the 15th Turkey Investment Conference in New York, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged the removal of restrictions hindering defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and the U.S. He highlighted the potential for stronger ties, especially following the F-16 modernization project. Erdoğan expressed optimism that this initiative would open a new chapter in defense relations and called for the permanent lifting of export barriers.
Addressing American and Turkish business leaders, Erdoğan emphasized the strong trade ties, with the bilateral trade volume exceeding $30 billion last year. He encouraged further cooperation, noting Türkiye’s dynamic defense industry as a key player in global supply chains, particularly citing joint efforts in producing artillery shells. Erdoğan emphasized that U.S. businesses can play a crucial role in advancing existing projects and forming new security partnerships.