Italy, Turkey to deepen defence ties, boost trade after Rome summit

Italy and Turkey will continue to strengthen cooperation in the defence industry with new projects while also boosting their reciprocal trade, the leaders of the two countries said after holding talks in Rome. read more
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan shake hands at a press conference, at Villa Doria Pamphili in Rome, Italy, April 29, 2025. Image- Reuters
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan agreed to enhance defence cooperation through new joint initiatives during their summit in Rome.
The meeting, held at Villa Doria Pamphili, also included ministers from both governments. Erdoğan emphasized progress in defence collaboration and expressed intent to build further partnerships with Italy.
Trade between the two countries reached $32.2 billion in 2024, making Italy Turkey's second-largest EU trading partner. The summit took place amid growing EU efforts to strengthen regional security ties with Turkey following Russia's war in Ukraine.
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'We will continue to strengthen our defence industry cooperation with Italy, which has made significant progress, with new partnerships and projects,' Erdogan said, during a joint statement with the Italian leader in front of reporters.
With arms industry orders soaring in response to the conflict, in March Italian defence firm Leonardo and Turkish drone producer Baykar agreed to jointly develop unmanned aerial systems.
Migration, a topic dear to Italy's far-right prime minister, is also high on the agenda, the source said.
Ankara has in recent years played a leading role in helping stem irregular arrivals to Europe – receiving billions from Brussels in return.
The delegations will also work to enhance cooperation in transport, infrastructure, space, and sport, with Italy and Turkey due to joint hosts of the Euro 2032 football tournament, the source said.
With inputs from agencies

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