Erdoğan hosts Singapore’s Wong in Istanbul for talks on defense, finance

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues during talks in Istanbul on Friday. Erdoğan received Wong at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office with an official ceremony as part of the Singaporean premier’s visit to Türkiye. Following the ceremony, the two leaders proceeded to bilateral and delegation‑level meetings.

Deepening cooperation

During the meeting, Erdoğan said it is important for Türkiye and Singapore to deepen cooperation, adding that Ankara will work to develop relations in many areas, particularly defense, logistics, aviation, maritime affairs, and finance. Türkiye and Singapore established a strategic partnership in 2014, and bilateral trade volume reached $1.07 billion in 2025. Singapore’s investments in Türkiye since 2002 amount to approximately $11 billion.

Regional diplomacy

Erdoğan also said Türkiye is carrying out intensive diplomatic efforts to secure lasting peace between Iran and the United States, stressing the importance it attaches to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He added that Türkiye would continue, together with “brotherly countries,” to make every possible contribution to the peace process. The talks were attended by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek, Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, and other senior officials.