Korea, Turkey Discuss Defense Technology Transfer

, Defense chiefs of Korea and Turkey have discussed Seoul's possible transfer of technology to Turkey for producing four key defense products, the Defense Ministry said Thursday (March 8). 
 
Among the products discussed by Defense Minister Kim Jang-soo and his Turkish counterpart Vecdi Gonul at the latter's office in Ankara Wednesday are the XK2 tank, K-9 self-propelled artillery and the KT-1 military basic trainer, a ministry official said. 
 
“Synergy effects are expected when Korea's technology combines with Turkey's good production and marketing capabilities,” Kim was quoted by the official as saying. Kim asked Gonul to positively consider Korea as a partner for joint defense goods production. 
 
Gonul said Korea is one of the strongest candidates bidding to supply Turkey with tank technology, but refused to specifically respond to Kim. “It is not proper to give a detailed evaluation because the bid and the evaluation of bidders is now underway,” he was quoted as saying. Korea, France and Germany are competing to take part in the project. 
 
Kim is scheduled to return home on Saturday, wrapping up a five-day visit to Turkey. 
 
Korea and Turkey established diplomatic ties in March 1957. Turkey dispatched a total of 15,000 troops to fight on the Korean side during the 1950-53 Korean War. About 3,200 Turkish soldiers were killed during the conflict.