President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held an important meeting with European Union (EU) Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Presidential Complex. The meeting, where critical issues such as strategic cooperation between Turkey and the EU, trade volume, migration management and visa liberalization were discussed, is considered as an important step for the future of relations between the two sides.
Key Agendas in EU-Turkey Relations
The main agenda items of the meeting were Turkey’s EU accession process, the update of the Customs Union and the migration issue. It was emphasized that cooperation with the EU is of great importance due to Turkey’s strategic location.
Both sides emphasized the importance of taking concrete steps to modernize the Customs Union in order to strengthen Turkey’s economic and trade ties. Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s determination for full membership to the EU and emphasized the political and bureaucratic obstacles in the current process.
Emphasis on Joint Solution in Migration Management
During the meeting, the issue of migration, one of the most critical issues between Turkey and the EU, was discussed in detail. It was stated that Turkey has shouldered a huge burden by hosting millions of refugees for years, while the EU side should take more responsibility on this issue. Erdoğan emphasized the importance of increasing financial support and ensuring fair burden sharing.
Von der Leyen, on the other hand, appreciated Turkey’s role in this issue and stated that cooperation should be further strengthened. The EU will continue to provide financial assistance to Turkey and joint projects will gain momentum.
Visa Liberalization on the Table Again
Another important topic discussed during the meeting was visa liberalization. While Turkey’s reforms for visa liberalization were discussed, the need for the EU to take constructive steps to further advance the process was emphasized. Erdoğan stated that facilitating the travel of Turkish citizens to European countries would be an important step in strengthening relations.
Strong Messages for Cooperation
In the images shared after the meeting, it was seen that both leaders gave positive and constructive messages. It was stated that the meeting would further open the channels of dialogue between Turkey and the EU and increase mutual trust.
It was emphasized that Turkey has a high potential to cooperate with the EU in areas such as Turkey’s regional role, energy security and green transformation. Von der Leyen once again reminded the strategic importance of Turkey in the energy corridor and expressed the aim of stronger cooperation through joint projects.
Conclusion: A Positive Era Begins in Relations
The meeting between President Erdoğan and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen opens the door to a new era in EU-Turkey relations. Resolving the issues discussed and taking joint steps will lay the foundation for stronger cooperation in the future.
