Norway removes limits on defense exports to Turkey

Norway has returned to its normal practice regarding the export of defense materials and multi-purpose goods for military use to Turkey, marking a change in policy after five years.

Thursday September 12 2024 10:00 am

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Norway has normalized its practice for the export of defense material and multi-purpose goods for military use to Turkey, having imposed restrictions 2019, the Nordic country's government said on Sept. 11.

"This means that the ministry of foreign affairs lifts the restrictions from 2019 and returns to an ordinary licensing practice for Turkey," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Norway joined other European nations five years ago in suspending new arms sales to fellow NATO member Turkey due to concerns over a military offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria.

The decision was taken after Turkey's "Operation Peace Spring" launched in 2019 against The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (known as Rojava) founded by Kurdish militants and their allies.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli announced on his X account that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had a phone call with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

"Our Foreign Affairs Minister Fidan stated that we were pleased with the decision in question and said that such restrictions were not in line with the spirit of alliance," Keçeli said.

Dışişleri Bakanımız Hakan Fidan, bugün (11 Eylül) Norveç Dışişleri Bakanı Espen Barth Eide ile bir telefon görüşmesi gerçekleştirdi.

Norveç Dışişleri Bakanı Eide, Norveç’in 2019 yılında Türkiye’ye karşı uygulamaya koyduğu savunma sanayii kısıtlamalarını kaldırma kararı…
— Öncü Keçeli | Dışişleri Bakanlığı Sözcüsü (@SpoxTR_MFA) September 11, 2024