Istanbul: Former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace emphasized the need for Trkiye and the UK to strengthen their cooperation across defense, technology, and academia, leveraging their independent status outside the EU for quicker global responses. Speaking at Istanbul's Bogazici University, Wallace highlighted the strategic position of both countries, noting their involvement in Europe's security framework despite not being EU members.

According to Anadolu Agency, Wallace pointed out that this unique position allows Trkiye and the UK to forge stronger trade arrangements and collaborate on foreign policy objectives. He praised Trkiye's skilled workforce, including physicists, aeronautical engineers, and systems engineers, as a critical asset for deeper collaboration in manufacturing, academia, and science.

Wallace addressed rising global instability, stating, "The world is anxious. It's more anxious than ever," and highlighted interconnected challenges such as the war in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza. He identified peace in the Middle East as a secondary interest for Britain, while cautioning against the misuse of technology by terrorists.

The former defense secretary called for increased investment in defense resilience, urging governments to prioritize this even at the expense of other spending areas. He stressed the importance of resilience across sectors to counter threats from hostile states and extremist groups, warning against overreliance on allies like the US.

Wallace underscored the urgency of the Ukraine-Russia conflict for the UK, asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin should not feel victorious. He emphasized international unity and resolve among allies to prevent adversaries from gaining ground, and reiterated the importance of cooperation in energy extraction to foster economic growth and reduce tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.