Turkey looks for closer defense ties with Japan

ANKARA

Turkey wants to enhance defense ties with Japan, Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik said Wednesday.

In remarks made in a statement before his meeting with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Tomohisa Takei in Ankara, Isik called for an increase in the number of Japanese soldiers receiving their training in Turkey.

"The number of Japanese soldiers receiving their training in Turkey should increase," the minister said, according to the statement, adding that such a move would contribute to improving military ties between Turkey and Japan.

"We also want to improve cooperation with Japan in the defense industry sector," Isik added.