UPDATE - Turkish, Dutch defense ministers discuss defense industry cooperation

UPDATES WITH TURKIYE'S DEFENSE MINISTER'S MEETING WITH HIS ESTONIAN COUNTERPART

By Sarp Ozer and Dilara Hamit

BRUSSELS (AA) - Turkiye's National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on Thursday met with his Dutch counterpart Kajsa Ollongren to discuss regional issues as well as defense-related matters.

The meeting took place in Brussels following discussion of Russian territorial threats to Georgia and Ukraine as part of a NATO defense ministers meeting.

The two exchanged views on regional security, defense, and cooperation in the defense industry.

Congratulating Ollongren on her new position, which she took in January, Akar stressed the importance of taking relations between Turkiye and the Netherlands to a higher level.

Akar continued bilateral meetings and NATO sessions. He also held a meeting with Estonian Defense Minister Kalle Laanet.

Both ministers exchanged views on bilateral and regional defense and security issues, according to a statement by Turkiye's National Defense Ministry.

During the two-day meeting, NATO defense ministers are set to discuss plans to strengthen the southeastern part of the alliance, including the deployment of a battle group in Romania and battleships in the Black Sea region.