Date Time Turkish Defence Minister hosted on board HMS Prince of Wales Minister Akar is on a two-day visit to the UK to reaffirm our two countries’ close cooperation on defence and security as NATO Allies. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: Turkey is an important NATO Ally and partner for the UK in upholding security in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. I was delighted to welcome Minister Akar to the UK for fruitful discussions on how our nations can build on our strong defence relationship in a range of areas – from NATO exercises and operations to industry co-operation. Minister Akar was welcomed to the UK with a Guard of Honour from the Coldstream Guards at Horse Guards Parade, ahead of a bilateral meeting at the Ministry of Defence.