The Turkish Minister of Defence Sabahattin Cakmakoglu accompanied by the high-rank delegation will be visiting Estonia between August 14-15, 2002.
On Thursday, August 15 the Estonian Minister of Defence Sven Mikser and the Turkish Minister of Defence Sabahattin Cakmakoglu will sign the bilateral co-operation frame agreement which will enable broader collaboration in different defence areas.
During the meeting the sides will also discuss possible developments in future co-operation, NATO enlargement and fight against terrorism.
During his visit the Turkish Minister of Defence Sabahattin Cakmakoglu will also meet with the President of Estonia Arnold Rüütel, the Prime Minister Siim Kallas, the State Secretary Aino Lepik von Wiren, Chief of Defence Vice Admiral Tarmo Kõuts, Chairman of the National Defence Committee Tiit Tammsaar and the Minister Eldar Efendijev (Minister without Portfolio – ethnic affairs).
Cakmakoglu will also visit the Ämari Air Sovereignty Centre and take a walk in The Old City of Tallinn.
Cakmakoglu is accompanied by his spouse Mrs. Nurten Cakmakoglu. The Turkish Minister of Defence and his delegation will leave Tallinn in the evening of August 15.
Estonian-Turkish defence relations:
Defence relations between the countries were especially active at the beginning of the contacts – between 1995-97. In 1995 the Co-operation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Government of the Republic of Turkey in Fields Concerning Defence Matters was signed.
In 1997 Turkey accredited to Estonia its first military attache’. The present Defence Attache’ to Estonia Ahmed Ata Uz is residing in Helsinki.
In 2001 the Foreign Minister of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves extended an official invitation to the Turkish Minister of Defence to visit Estonia. The invitation was accepted with appreciation and will be realized during upcoming the visit between August 14-15.
TO THE PRESS!
In conjunction with the signing of the bilateral co-operation frame agreement the two Ministers will hold a press conference. The press conference will take place on Thursday, August 15 between 10.20-10.50. All the media representatives are welcome.