Turkey and EU Discuss Strategic Partnership Amid Persistent Differences
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan calls for a clear EU membership vision, while EU's Kaja Kallas emphasizes cooperation despite differences.
In a recent bilateral meeting held in Ankara, Turkey, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, discussed Turkey's aspirations for EU membership and the existing challenges in the bilateral relationship.
During a joint press conference, Fidan articulated Turkey's strategic objective to join the EU, urging the union to develop a clear perspective on Turkey's membership and encouraging an unbiased approach for mutual benefit.
Fidan expressed hope for significant progress in updating the Customs Union agreement of 1995 and facilitating the visa process for Turkish citizens seeking to enter the Schengen Area.
He noted that certain EU member states have politicized Turkey's membership issue, hindering the merit-based accession process.
Fidan emphasized that recent international and regional developments highlight the importance of EU-Turkey collaboration, advocating for a realistic approach that favors both parties.
Kallas acknowledged Turkey as a vital EU partner, a NATO ally, and a candidate country for EU membership.
She underscored the strong and evolving economic partnership and highlighted areas of potential cooperation, ranging from trade to counter-terrorism.
Despite differing perspectives on issues like Cyprus, Russia sanctions, and human rights, Kallas reiterated the EU's commitment to dialogue and high-level cooperation.
On regional matters, Fidan and Kallas agreed to continue efforts towards stabilizing Syria and supporting human rights initiatives.
Fidan stressed Turkey's ongoing commitment to combat terrorism, referencing threats posed by groups such as the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) and ISIS.
Kallas remarked on the need for a comprehensive Syrian administration and saw stability as a precondition for the safe return of refugees.
Regarding Gaza, Fidan voiced concern over ongoing Israeli actions and advocated for international responsibility in supporting Gaza's humanitarian needs and reconstruction.
Kallas emphasized the EU’s expectation for a sustainable peace and continued humanitarian support, affirming the EU's two-state solution policy for Israel and Palestine.
Addressing Ukraine, both sides recognized the necessity of diplomacy as the conflict with Russia persists.
Kallas referred to the EU’s substantial support for Ukraine, including financial aid and military training.
Finally, the meeting touched on Turkey's hopes to reset ties with the United States under the Trump administration, seeking resolution on bilateral issues left by previous administrations.
The discussions concluded with Turkish Parliamentary Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş highlighting the ongoing legislative reforms in Turkey aimed at EU accession and stressed the need for cooperative efforts on regional challenges, including Middle East tensions and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
During a joint press conference, Fidan articulated Turkey's strategic objective to join the EU, urging the union to develop a clear perspective on Turkey's membership and encouraging an unbiased approach for mutual benefit.
Fidan expressed hope for significant progress in updating the Customs Union agreement of 1995 and facilitating the visa process for Turkish citizens seeking to enter the Schengen Area.
He noted that certain EU member states have politicized Turkey's membership issue, hindering the merit-based accession process.
Fidan emphasized that recent international and regional developments highlight the importance of EU-Turkey collaboration, advocating for a realistic approach that favors both parties.
Kallas acknowledged Turkey as a vital EU partner, a NATO ally, and a candidate country for EU membership.
She underscored the strong and evolving economic partnership and highlighted areas of potential cooperation, ranging from trade to counter-terrorism.
Despite differing perspectives on issues like Cyprus, Russia sanctions, and human rights, Kallas reiterated the EU's commitment to dialogue and high-level cooperation.
On regional matters, Fidan and Kallas agreed to continue efforts towards stabilizing Syria and supporting human rights initiatives.
Fidan stressed Turkey's ongoing commitment to combat terrorism, referencing threats posed by groups such as the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) and ISIS.
Kallas remarked on the need for a comprehensive Syrian administration and saw stability as a precondition for the safe return of refugees.
Regarding Gaza, Fidan voiced concern over ongoing Israeli actions and advocated for international responsibility in supporting Gaza's humanitarian needs and reconstruction.
Kallas emphasized the EU’s expectation for a sustainable peace and continued humanitarian support, affirming the EU's two-state solution policy for Israel and Palestine.
Addressing Ukraine, both sides recognized the necessity of diplomacy as the conflict with Russia persists.
Kallas referred to the EU’s substantial support for Ukraine, including financial aid and military training.
Finally, the meeting touched on Turkey's hopes to reset ties with the United States under the Trump administration, seeking resolution on bilateral issues left by previous administrations.
The discussions concluded with Turkish Parliamentary Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş highlighting the ongoing legislative reforms in Turkey aimed at EU accession and stressed the need for cooperative efforts on regional challenges, including Middle East tensions and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
