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Erdogan hails 'new phase' in Turkey-UK ties with trade agreement

Turkey and the United Kingdom's increasing discord with the European Union make them natural partners.
A container ship sails to marmara sea on December 18, 2019 in Istanbul. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP) (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)

Turkey and the United Kingdom will sign a free trade agreement on Dec. 29, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed Monday.

The Turkish leader said the agreement between the two NATO allies will be the most significant deal since Turkey signed a customs union trade accord with the European Union in 1996. “God willing, we are entering a new phase in which both Turkey and the UK will benefit,” Erdogan said following a cabinet meeting in Ankara. 

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