On the sidelines of the SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aviation, and Space Expo, Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi met with his Kosovar counterpart, Xhelal Sveçla, to emphasize the deep-rooted and expanding security cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting, held at the Istanbul Expo Center, underscored Turkey’s role as a primary mentor and supplier for Kosovo’s security institutions, framed by Minister Çiftçi as a “brotherly solidarity” built on shared history and mutual trust.
A Legacy of Training and Capacity Building
Minister Çiftçi revealed significant data regarding the scale of bilateral cooperation between the Turkish General Directorate of Security and Kosovo’s law enforcement:
- Massive Training Participation: A total of 3,907 Kosovar personnel have participated in 255 specialized training programs organized by Turkey to date.
- Police & Gendarmerie Support: The Turkish General Command of the Gendarmerie remains in close coordination with Kosovar authorities to provide tactical support and institutional strengthening.
- Institutional Strengthening: Beyond basic training, the partnership focuses on high-level capacity building, ranging from counter-terrorism tactics to modern policing standards.
Strategic Support on the Global Stage
Minister Çiftçi reiterated Turkey’s commitment to Kosovo’s international standing, stating that Ankara will continue to mobilize all resources to ensure Kosovo takes its “deserved place” in international platforms.
“Our relations with brotherly Kosovo are a manifestation of strong solidarity built on our shared history, spiritual connection, and mutual trust,” Çiftçi stated. “This solidarity, which we have developed in every field—from security to the defense industry—will continue to progress on a much stronger basis.”
SAHA 2026 and Defense Diplomacy
The meeting took place at SAHA 2026, one of the world’s most significant defense exhibitions, where Turkey showcases its latest drone technology, armored vehicles, and aerospace innovations. Kosovo has recently become a key client for Turkish defense products, most notably the Bayraktar TB2 drones, which have significantly enhanced the Kosovo Security Force’s (KSF) surveillance and deterrent capabilities.
Key areas of ongoing cooperation discussed:
- Defense Industry: Integration of Turkish-made technology into Kosovo’s security framework.
- Education: Ongoing academic and tactical exchanges for security officers.
- Security Solidarity: Mutual commitment to regional stability in the Western Balkans.
The high-level dialogue at SAHA 2026 confirms that Turkey remains one of Kosovo’s most vital strategic allies, particularly as Pristina seeks to modernize its security apparatus in a challenging regional climate.
