Published January 04,2026

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Türkiye is “closely” following developments in both Yemen and Somalia, said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday in a phone call with the Saudi crown prince, stressing the importance of stability of protecting both countries’ territorial integrity.

During the call, Erdoğan and Mohammed bin Salman discussed bilateral relations and regional and global issues, according to the Turkish Communications Directorate.

Erdoğan expressed Türkiye’s readiness to contribute to efforts to bring together the parties that are at odds in Yemen.

He also said Ankara aims to enhance cooperation between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia by taking additional steps in the days to come.

Warning that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is getting worse with the onset of winter, Erdoğan added that Türkiye continues to work for a lasting ceasefire and reconstruction in the war-battered enclave.

Published January 04,2026

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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will pay an official visit to Portugal on Monday.

According to sources in the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Fidan will hold one-on-one and inter-delegation meetings with his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel, and discuss steps to advance bilateral relations.

The ministers are expected to strengthen consultations on regional issues, deepen trade and economic cooperation, and discuss increasing mutual investments as well as implementing joint projects in areas such as energy, infrastructure, transportation, and port management.

Fidan will also highlight the crucial importance of Türkiye’s inclusion in EU-led security and defense initiatives, projects, programs, and the EU’s industrial strategy, the sources said.

Türkiye and Portugal established diplomatic relations in 1926, following Portugal’s participation in the relevant provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne.

Joint events are planned in 2026 to mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Trade volume between the two countries amounted to $2.9 billion in 2024 and reached $3.1 billion in the first 10 months of 2025.

The two countries also continue to strengthen cooperation in the defense industry. On Nov. 14, 2025, a steel-cutting ceremony for the first of two auxiliary replenishment and logistics vessels for Portugal was held in Istanbul, marking a key milestone in long-term defense cooperation.

Published December 30,2025

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The Istanbul Governor’s Office announced extensive security measures to ensure the city welcomes 2026 peacefully. A total of 50,427 personnel will conduct intensive checks across 1,661 locations, supported by 7,225 land vehicles, 37 maritime units, and 4 helicopters.

Security forces including police, gendarmerie, and coast guard will be on duty citywide, especially at shopping malls, airports, bus terminals, public transport stations, public squares, and entertainment venues. All hospitals will provide 24-hour services, while emergency health services will operate with 1,304 staff across 340 stations.

AFAD, AKOM, and fire departments will remain on high alert against fires and other risks. Food safety inspections will be carried out by 813 personnel, while trade inspectors will monitor prices to prevent profiteering. Municipal police teams will continue inspections, and precautions have been taken against possible disruptions to utilities such as electricity, water, and natural gas.

Additionally, the entry of heavy vehicles and construction machinery into districts including Sarıyer, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Fatih, Bakırköy, Zeytinburnu, and Kadıköy will be banned from 8:00 a.m. on Dec. 31 until noon on Jan. 1.

Published December 30,2025

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An agreement worth 2.6 billion euros has been signed for the export of HÜRJET, Türkiye’s first domestically developed jet trainer and light attack aircraft, designed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI/TUSAŞ), to Spain.

Within the scope of the Spanish Integrated Advanced Flight Training System, HÜRJET was selected to meet the training aircraft needs of the Spanish Air and Space Force, and a contract was signed between the Spanish Ministry of Defense and the TAI–AIRBUS partnership.

The HÜRJET aircraft, which will be produced at TAI facilities, are planned to begin deliveries in the last quarter of 2028, with deliveries continuing until 2036.

President of the Presidency of Defense Industries, Haluk Görgün, stated: “With a 30-aircraft export package, HÜRJET has been officially chosen by the Spanish Air and Space Force, marking a historic export achievement for the Turkish defense industry.”

“We are flying higher in the ‘Blue Homeland’ and across the world”

Emphasizing that this step is a concrete indication of Türkiye becoming a trusted, preferred, and leading exporter in the defense industry, Görgün said: “Within the framework of this program, which has a total project budget of 2.6 billion euros, deliveries are planned to begin in 2028. This agreement represents a high value-added and multi-dimensional defense industry export package that includes not only the export of HÜRJET, but also an integrated advanced combat pilot training architecture, ground-based simulation and training systems, maintenance and sustainment infrastructure, and long-term operational support elements.

The fact that a jet training aircraft designed and produced with national capabilities will enter the inventory of a European and NATO member country clearly demonstrates the level our defense industry has reached in design, production, system integration, certification, and sustainability.” Görgün highlighted that with HÜRJET, Türkiye has achieved a position as a country that produces high technology in air platforms, exports it, and holds influence in the global market, adding:

“Our defense industry exports are being carried to a new threshold in terms of quality and scale. I sincerely thank all our engineers, technicians, the Turkish Aerospace Industries family, and all stakeholders who contributed to this strategic export success. Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we produce with national technology, steadily strengthen our defense industry export power, and fly higher in the ‘Blue Homeland’ and all around the world.”