(MENAFN) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Wednesday that Türkiye intends to expand defense industry cooperation with Finland through concrete projects involving both institutions and private companies. He described these efforts as measures that would reinforce NATO’s deterrence and enhance Europe’s overall security and defense capabilities.

Fidan made the remarks during a joint press briefing in Helsinki with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen after discussions on bilateral relations and regional security.

“Türkiye is a NATO ally that provides critical contributions to Europe’s security,” Fidan said, noting that the two ministers also addressed wider European security issues as Finland chairs the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2025. He added that Türkiye’s engagement in the European Union’s defense and security initiatives, particularly the SAFE (Security and Defence of Europe) program, would be “of great importance.”

Commenting on the broader strategic landscape, Fidan emphasized, “The European Union would be incomplete without Türkiye—especially in the current context. Likewise, Türkiye would be missing a key component without the EU.” He stressed that both sides must advance integration efforts “without delay or excuses” and noted that the Turkish government is fully committed to this goal, welcoming renewed political will from European leaders.

Fidan also highlighted growing economic ties between Türkiye and Finland, with bilateral trade reaching roughly $1.8 billion in 2024. He mentioned areas for enhanced cooperation, including information technology, renewable energy, and the Arctic region.

On defense matters, Fidan recalled that the two nations signed a “Defense Industry Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding” in June, which he said “opens a new chapter in joint production, technology sharing, and capability development.”

Finnish Foreign Minister Valtonen praised Türkiye’s contributions to European and transatlantic security. “Finland and Türkiye are united by their commitment to transatlantic security,” she said. “I want to commend Türkiye’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war and its active role in mediating and finding a just and lasting peace.”

Valtonen described Türkiye as “an increasingly important security provider for Europe and the entire transatlantic alliance.” She also voiced Finland’s continued backing for Türkiye’s future EU membership and welcomed its participation in joint defense initiatives, stating, “Finland supports Türkiye’s participation as an equal partner in the EU’s SAFE (Security Action for Europe) program and in broader defense industry cooperation, which we strongly need at this moment.”

The ministers also touched on the situation in Gaza. Fidan noted that approximately 250 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since a ceasefire was declared. He referenced a ceasefire reached on Oct. 10, based on a 20-point plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, and expressed hope for its continuation. “Despite all challenges, we expect the ceasefire to hold and progress to the next phase,” Fidan said, adding that the international community must fulfill its responsibilities at this critical time.

Valtonen reiterated Finland’s support for a two-state solution, emphasizing, “There needs to be a long-term, sustainable solution based on international law—not only for Gaza but also for the West Bank.”

Since October 2023, Israeli attacks in Gaza have reportedly killed nearly 69,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 170,000.

In addition to her joint briefing with Fidan, the Turkish minister addressed the Finnish parliament and met with Speaker Jussi Halla-aho, according to official Turkish sources.

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