Türkiye, UAE Sign Seven Agreements in Ankara to Deepen Strategic Partnership
Türkiye and UAE Sign Seven Strategic Deals, Set $40B Trade Target Amid Strengthening Partnership
Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) deepened their rapidly evolving partnership on Friday by signing seven wide-ranging cooperation agreements during UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official visit to Ankara.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted the pace of growing economic ties between the two nations, stating:
“Just a few years ago, we were wondering if $10 billion in trade was even possible. Today, we aim to exceed $20 billion by the end of this year and target $40 billion in the medium term.”
The newly signed agreements span critical sectors including defence, technology, energy, tourism, food security, pharmaceuticals, and industrial production. A notable memorandum of understanding was signed on mutual investment in tourism and hospitality, alongside deals to expand cooperation in agriculture and the food sector.
Defence ties were formally strengthened with an agreement on the mutual protection of classified information, while another accord established a joint consular committee to streamline diplomatic coordination.
In a surprising scientific move, Türkiye and the UAE also signed an agreement on joint polar research — a first-of-its-kind pact that reflects the countries’ shared ambitions in global scientific and technological development.
Erdoğan noted that the leaders also addressed urgent regional challenges, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza:
“Our cooperation isn’t limited to economics. It’s based on a shared approach to resolving regional issues,” he said.
The visit marks a turning point in Ankara-Abu Dhabi relations, which have transformed from cautious diplomacy into a fast-growing strategic alliance that is reshaping regional dynamics across trade, security, and innovation.
