"Two wings of Asia": Erdogan finds a surprising ally in the East

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to tighten coordination on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, alongside expanding security, economic, and strategic cooperation. Takaichi described the countries as "two wings of Asia" and called for elevating the partnership to new heights. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly and agreed to tighten coordination on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Takaichi described Japan and Turkey as "two wings of Asia" and called for elevating the strategic partnership to "new heights." The meeting addressed expanding security, economic, and strategic cooperation, including in defense equipment and technology, completing an economic partnership agreement, and expanding cooperation in education. Takaichi praised Turkey's mediation efforts in the crisis around Iran and emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz for global economic stability. Erdogan pointed to energy, infrastructure, and defense industries as areas for deepening cooperation, and referred to Turkey's efforts to promote political initiatives and the need for reconstruction in Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine. For Tokyo, the Middle East and shipping routes have direct significance for Japan's energy security.