Turkey Roundup: Bilateral relations, arrests, safe air travels, naval advancements

Naval advancements

Turkey is enhancing its naval capabilities with the recent addition of two new 3,000-ton frigates, reflecting its ambition to assert maritime power. Haluk Gorgun, head of the presidency’s Secretariat of Defense Industries, emphasised that these ships symbolise Turkey’s determination to strengthen its naval presence and influence in the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas. According to Japan Times, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to bolster Turkey's domestic defense industry, traditionally noted for drone production.

Turkish-Baghdad bilateral relations

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrived in Baghdad for an official visit to discuss bilateral relations with Iraqi officials, including Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. Key topics will include intelligence coordination against the PKK, the Syrian situation, and the Development Road project. Fidan's visit may also extend to Erbil as Turkiye seeks to enhance its response to PKK activities in northern Syria, Shafaq reports. This follows a previous visit in April 2024, where 27 agreements between Iraq and Turkiye were signed.

Arrests

Fifteen people have been arrested in Turkey following a devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort that killed 78 and injured dozens. Investigations revealed the hotel lacked essential fire safety measures. India Today reports that the fire, which started in the restaurant, forced guests to jump from windows during the night. Calls for accountability and reform are rising, with the hotel management cooperating with authorities. The judicial proceedings continue against the hotel's owner, manager, and other officials. President Erdogan stated that efforts are underway to punish those responsible for the tragedy.

Safe air travel

A Turkish Airlines flight (TK612) from Uganda's Entebbe International Airport to Istanbul returned safely to Entebbe after concerns arose over safety. The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) confirmed all 269 passengers were unharmed, noting that the plane circled for over three hours to reduce fuel for a safe landing. The specific safety issue was not disclosed, Mid-Day news reports, but it was emphasised that the actions taken were standard aviation safety procedures. 

Trail repairs

The Turkey Mountain paved trail in Tulsa will be closed from February 3 to April for repairs to a sewage line beneath it. The River Parks Authority announced there is no detour available during this closure, Fox23 reports.