Turkish defense chief meets his counterparts at major defense event in Istanbul

By Sarp Ozer

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye's defense chief on Tuesday had talks with his counterparts at a major Turkish defense event in Istanbul, the SAHA Expo.

Defense Minister Hulusi Akar met his Azerbaijani counterpart Zakir Hasanov and discussed bilateral and regional defense and security issues, including military education cooperation and the defense industry.

Akar stressed that the friendship and fellowship between the two countries continues at the highest level with the understanding of “One nation, two states,” a famed motto for their bilateral ties.

“At the meeting, a detailed exchange of views on the further development of cooperation in the military, military-technical, military-educational and other spheres, as well as regional security issues was held,” said a statement from Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry.

Akar also met Libyan Prime Minister and Defense Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh.

Akar and Dbeibeh exchanged views on bilateral and regional defense and security issues, primarily cooperation in military training and the defense industry.

He also met with Pakistani Defense and Production Minister Muhammad Israr Tareen and Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Al Mubarek Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

Akar also congratulated British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace on his reappointment following Rishi Sunak becoming the country’s new prime minister.

On Wednesday Akar is expected to meet Wallace, who will be in Türkiye at his official invitation. Akar met his British counterpart on Oct. 6-7 during his visit to London.

Organized by the Istanbul Defense and Aerospace Cluster Association (SAHA), the expo is exhibiting cutting-edge defense products from Türkiye and other countries.

The event also hosts top officials from governments and armies from dozens of countries.