Türkiye, Finland to strengthen defense, economic cooperation
Turkish Ambassador to Helsinki Deniz Cakar in Helsinki, Finland. (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Finland Deniz Cakar announced plans to deepen defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and Finland under the NATO framework.
Speaking during the Slush 2024 technology event in Helsinki, Cakar emphasized the shared responsibilities and opportunities for collaboration between the two countries on defense and security.
Türkiye-Finland relations reach historic levels
Cakar noted that bilateral relations, already strong, have reached their best-ever levels in 2024.
“Our cooperation within NATO has added a new dimension to our partnership, including in the defense industry, which serves the interests of both nations,” she stated.
Growing economic ties between Türkiye and Finland
Economic relations between the two nations are also thriving, with trade volumes reaching €2.1 billion ($2.18 billion) in 2023. Cakar highlighted ongoing initiatives, such as the second phase of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission meeting scheduled for February 2025, which aims to further strengthen trade and investment.
Key areas of focus include green transformation, renewable energy, and digitalization.
Slush 2024: A platform for Turkish entrepreneurs
Türkiye’s participation in the startup event Slush 2024 has seen significant growth, with around 400 Turkish participants attending this year compared to 40 in its first year.
“This reflects the dynamic and technology-focused nature of our young entrepreneurs, who are exploring global opportunities through Finland,” Cakar said.
Opportunities in third-country collaborations
Finland is particularly interested in Türkiye’s expertise in regions like Africa and Central Asia.
Cakar pointed out that Finnish and Turkish companies are exploring joint ventures in areas such as construction and renewable energy, particularly in post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine.
