PM Yıldırım in UK to enhance bilateral ties, increase cooperation in defense, economy

Looking to improve bilateral ties and increase cooperation, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım Sunday left Turkey on a two-day official visit of the U.K. Speaking to the media ahead of his visit, the prime minister said: "We will discuss everything related to bilateral relations between Turkey and the U.K." Sources said the meetings between Yıldırım and British Prime Minister Theresa May will focus on increasing cooperation in the fields of economy, security and defense as well as regional developments, particularly in Iraq and Syria, relations with the European Union, the Cyprus issue, and the fight against terrorism.

Prime Minister Yıldırım said economic relations between Turkey and the U.K. are improving as bilateral trade volume has gone up over the last two years.

Focusing on their cooperation in the defense sector, Yıldırım said: "We have reached a deal for the TF-X project this year. We will also discuss and evaluate this project."

The prime minister added that he will also discuss with his British counterpart the developments made at the recent Turkey-Iran-Russia tripartite meeting on Syria.

"It is accepted by all sides that the Sochi meeting has smoothed the way for the Geneva talks under the United Nations," Yıldırım said.

"We will also discuss issues like ending the crisis in Iraq and Syria, eliminating all terrorist groups from these countries, forming a new Syrian government with the participation of all bodies, the situation in Iraq following the KRG [Kurdistan Regional Government] independence referendum, the future of relations with Iraq, and the scope for cooperation with the U.K. regarding these developments," he added.

During his visit, Yıldırım is expected to hold meetings with international investors and attend a lunch with the CEOs and business leaders of prominent British companies. He will also talk to the local media about the developments in Europe and the Middle East.

Prime Minister Yıldırım last visited the country in May.

Earlier in January this year, British Prime Minister Theresa May visited Turkey and was welcomed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During May's visit, President Erdoğan underlined that Turkey was aiming to increase cooperation with the U.K. and push trade volume to $20 billion.

Turkey and Britain also agreed on a joint venture to produce engines for Turkish Aerospace Industries' (TAI) TF-X national fighter jet project.

Meanwhile, Turkey's Kale Group reached an agreement with Britain's Rolls-Royce, one of the biggest aircraft engine producers in the world, to develop jet engines in the country. As part of the deal, the two companies will establish a joint venture, owned 51 percent by Kale Group and 49 percent by Rolls-Royce, to develop aircraft engines Turkey needs for its civilian and military platforms, particularly for the TF-X.

The joint venture will make Turkey one of the few countries capable of manufacturing aircraft engines.