Türkiye invited to EU Informal Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brussels
Positive messages coming out of the Türkiye-EU High Level Political Dialogue indicate that relations between the parties will gain more momentum in the near future, Brussels, November 23, 2018 (AA Photo)
Türkiye has been invited to the European Union Informal Foreign Ministers Meeting (Gymnich), scheduled to take place in Brussels on Aug. 29.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oncu Keceli confirmed to Anadolu Agency that Türkiye has received an invitation from the EU. He noted that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to attend the meetings in Brussels.
Keceli welcomed the invitation, describing it as a sign of the EU’s “desire for dialogue.” He expressed hope that this step would pave the way for amending the EU Foreign Affairs Council decisions from July 15, 2019, which have been a source of friction in relations. He also highlighted that the invitation reflects the EU’s recognition of the need to improve Türkiye-EU relations amid regional and global challenges.
Continous dialogue between EU, Türkiye essential
Keceli emphasized that this positive approach should not be limited to the Gymnich meetings, suggesting that continuous and systematic cooperation and dialogue between the EU and Türkiye are essential. He urged immediate action on key issues, including revitalizing Türkiye’s accession process, updating the Customs Union, visa liberalization, and reinvigorating structural dialogue mechanisms.
The Gymnich meetings, which Türkiye is participating in for the first time after five years, aim to provide an informal setting for EU foreign ministers to exchange views on current international issues. They help coordinate the EU’s foreign policy and security strategies and facilitate the development of common views and strategies among member states.
