Türkiye, UK ink deal to boost railway sector

By Seda Tolmac and Erhan Cihan Unal

ANKARA (AA) – Türkiye and the UK signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in and further advance the railway sector at a forum held in Ankara on Thursday.

Speaking at the event, Wendy Wyver, British deputy ambassador to Türkiye, stated that the forum demonstrates the railway cooperation between the two countries, as Türkiye has been an essential partner for the UK in security, energy, trade, transportation, and more fields.

Wyver highlighted that work is underway to cooperate in railway safety, innovation, maintenance, and climate change’s impact on railways.

She noted that the growth potential of Türkiye’s transportation sector is remarkable, as the country’s location in an internationally strategic region contributes to its role in global logistics.

Turkish Transport Ministry’s Deputy Director Omruye Ayan said at the event that the priority is to create a sustainable, safe, effective, and efficient transportation sector. Ayan said the ministry’s projects in the last two decades have improved the quality of life.

Ayan highlighted the railways contribute to economic, social, and cultural development, saying railways operations are the driving force in Türkiye.

In addition to Wyver and Ayan, Andrea Pearson, head of International Rail at the UK Department for Transport, as well as railway organization representatives participated in the event held at the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara.

*Writing by Emir Yildirim in Istanbul