A forthcoming update to the free trade agreement between the United Kingdom and Turkey is being hailed as a model for modern, forward-looking trade partnerships, according to Kenan Poleo, the UK’s Consul General in Istanbul and Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Speaking exclusively to Anadolu, Poleo described the initial round of negotiations as highly positive, addressing trade in goods and sustainability. Future discussions are expected to broaden into services, innovation, and digital sectors, reflecting both nations’ ambition to modernise their bilateral ties. “The most exciting aspect of this new free trade agreement is the opportunity for the UK and Turkey to set a great example for the world of what a modern trade partnership between two key partners should look like,” Poleo said.

Negotiators are preparing for the next round later this year, aiming to establish a roadmap for deeper cooperation in technology, climate-focused industries, and other future-oriented sectors. With annual bilateral trade already exceeding £27 billion, Turkey ranks among the UK’s top 20 trading partners—a figure expected to grow as both countries seek to diversify supply chains and expand global trade links. “Given the depth of our relationship, really, the sky’s the limit,” Poleo added.

Strategic Depth and Defence Cooperation

Poleo highlighted significant recent gains in sectors such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and mobility. Post-Brexit, the UK views Turkey as a gateway to wider regional markets, while Turkey regards the UK as a major consumer market and partner in innovation and regulatory reform.

Defence collaboration has also advanced, exemplified by a memorandum of understanding signed during Istanbul’s International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF), paving the way for Turkey to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. “A third of those aircraft will be built in the UK,” Poleo noted, emphasising both economic and security benefits.

Clean Energy and Nuclear Collaboration

Clean energy and next-generation nuclear power are highlighted as promising areas of cooperation. The UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult has become a hub for Turkish firms seeking to develop wind energy technologies. Turkey aims to install 5 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2035, and UK expertise could help accelerate this goal. Nuclear collaboration may include regulatory development and capacity building, particularly as Turkey advances with its Akkuyu plant and explores small modular reactor technologies.

A Personal Farewell

As Poleo prepares to conclude his posting in early 2026, he reflects on a career marked by both professional achievements and personal fulfilment. Born in South London to a Turkish Cypriot family, he described his assignment in Turkey as a lifelong dream. Fluent in Turkish, he has overseen growing trade, high-profile joint projects, and cultural diplomacy, leaving Istanbul with both professional satisfaction and emotional attachment.