Regarding the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Limitation of Maritime Jurisdiction signed between Turkey and Libya by the Libyan House of Representatives, the Ministry of National Defense stated, "The decision in question confirms the validity of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on the basis of international law and equity principles and strengthens the strategic cooperation between the two countries."
Following the weekly press briefing held by the Ministry of National Defense, members of the press' questions regarding current issues were answered. In the statement made by the Ministry, evaluations regarding the maritime jurisdiction agreement between Turkey and Libya, the statements of the representatives of the European Union (EU) and Greece, the Mecca Defense Alliance, the Badr Memorandum of Understanding, the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon warplanes from Qatar, the International Joint Strategic Command and the 2027 defense budget were included.
"A CONCRETE INDICATOR OF OUR COUNTRY'S EFFECTIVENESS IN THE INTERNATIONAL FIELD"
Stating that Turkey continues to contribute to regional and global security, the Ministry said, "Our country, whose geostrategic and geopolitical importance is increasing day by day, continues to contribute to the strengthening of regional and global peace, security and stability in line with the opportunities and capabilities it has and the diplomatic initiatives it carries out."
Drawing attention to the approval of the memorandum signed with Libya and international cooperation in the field of defense, the statement said, "The approval of the memorandum of understanding signed with Libya on the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas by the Libyan House of Representatives, together with the Mecca Defense Alliance and the Badr Memorandum of Understanding, is a concrete indicator of our country's effectiveness and strategic cooperation in the international arena."
The statement also touched upon the activities of the Turkish Armed Forces to improve the defense capacities of friendly and allied countries and said, "Our Turkish Armed Forces support the development of the defense and security capacities of friendly and allied countries with the strength and inspiration derived from our glorious history and contribute to our country's constructive and determined efforts towards the establishment of regional and global peace and stability."
"THE BEDR MEMORANDUM AIMS TO DEVELOP JOINT PRODUCTION CAPACITY"
The Ministry also made a statement regarding the Badr Memorandum of Understanding signed between Türkiye, Qatar, Indonesia and Pakistan in Doha, the capital of Qatar, on October 21. Pointing out the importance of defense industry cooperation between the four countries, the statement said, "The Memorandum of Understanding signed between Turkey, Qatar, Indonesia and Pakistan in Doha on October 21 is a concrete indicator of the strong friendship and will to work together between our countries."
The following statements were made regarding the projects intended to be implemented within the scope of the agreement:
"With this agreement, it is aimed to establish long-term and sustainable strategic partnerships between our countries by implementing joint projects in the field of defense industry, increasing research and development activities, strengthening infrastructure and supply chains and developing joint production capacity."
The statement also emphasized that the agreement in question will contribute to strengthening regional and global peace, security and stability.
"WE WELCOME THE DECISION OF THE LIBYA COUNCIL OF REPRESENTATIVES"
Evaluating the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Limitation of Maritime Jurisdiction Areas signed between Türkiye and Libya in 2019 by the Libyan House of Representatives, the Ministry expressed its satisfaction with the decision. "We welcome the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Delimitation of Maritime Jurisdiction Areas, which was signed between Turkey and Libya in 2019 and is in force, by the Libyan House of Representatives on October 20, 2026," the ministry's statement said.
The statement stated that the decision will contribute to the strategic cooperation between the two countries and said, "The decision in question confirms the validity of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on the basis of international law and equity principles and strengthens the strategic cooperation between the two countries."
In the statement, it was noted that Turkey will continue its efforts to strengthen regional peace, security and stability with determination.
"EVALUATIONS OF THIRD PARTIES CANNOT ELIMINATE THE LEGAL VALIDITY OF THE AGREEMENT"
The Ministry also responded to the statements of the representatives of the EU and Greece regarding the maritime jurisdiction agreement between Türkiye and Libya. The statement emphasized that the agreement was signed on the basis of international law and said, "The Memorandum of Understanding on the Limitation of Maritime Jurisdiction Areas signed between Turkey and Libya in 2019 was signed on the basis of international law and equity principles, taking into account the legitimate rights and interests of the two countries."
Pointing out that the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas is within the scope of the sovereign rights of coastal states, the statement said, "The delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas is within the scope of the sovereign rights of the relevant coastal states, and the legal validity of the Memorandum of Understanding in question cannot be eliminated by unilateral evaluations of third parties."
The statement emphasized that Turkey will continue to protect its rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean and said, "Our country will continue to protect our legitimate rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean within the framework of international law and contribute to the strengthening of regional peace, security and stability."
"WORKS TOWARDS THE SUPPLY OF EUROFIGHTER FROM QATAR CONTINUES"
The Ministry also gave information about the final stage of the work carried out for the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from Qatar in order to meet the operational needs of the Air Forces Command. The statement said, "Efforts are continuing to procure Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from Qatar in order to meet the operational needs of our Air Force Command."
Referring to the details of the meetings held with Qatar within the scope of the procurement process, the statement said, "In this context, the scope of the aircraft and ammunition to be procured, the training of pilots and maintenance personnel, and the technical and logistical support for the maintenance and operation of the aircraft were discussed in the inter-delegation meetings held in August and September."
Regarding the next stage of the process, a statement was made: "It is expected that the draft training program and sales contract will be prepared by Qatar and sent to our country."
"INTERNATIONAL JOINT STRATEGIC COMMAND HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED"
The Ministry announced that a new command has been established within the General Staff in order to increase the efficiency in the dispatch and management of the units and elements of the Turkish Armed Forces abroad. In the statement, it was stated that the Turkish Armed Forces continues its activities to strengthen regional and global peace, security and stability, and said, "In this context, in order to increase the efficiency in the command and management of our troops and elements serving abroad, including the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Command, the International Joint Strategic Command (UMSK) was established within the General Staff in August 2026 and Lieutenant General Sebahattin Kılınç was appointed as its commander."
"2027 DEFENSE BUDGET ALLOCATION HAS BEEN INCREASED"
In its statement on the 2027 defense budget, the Ministry drew attention to the importance of meeting the operational needs of the Turkish Armed Forces and developing their defense capabilities in line with the developments in the region and the changing security environment. The statement said, "The developments taking place in our region and the changing security environment require the rapid meeting of the operational needs of our Turkish Armed Forces and the continuous development of our defense capabilities."
Regarding the priority projects in the defense industry, the statement said, "In this context, the development of weapons, systems and platforms needed in the fields of land, sea, air, space and cyber operations with domestic and national means, and the continuation of strategic defense projects, especially air defense systems, national warplane, unmanned aerial vehicles and shipbuilding activities, are among our priorities."
Regarding the reason for the increase in the defense budget, the Ministry made a statement: "In this direction, the 2027 budget appropriation of our Ministry has been increased in order to strengthen the deterrence of our Turkish Armed Forces and increase operational effectiveness."
