EU seeks positive relations with Türkiye, emphasizes strategic cooperation

At the Brussels summit, EU leaders underscore their commitment to fostering constructive relations with Türkiye, emphasizing strategic cooperation and mutual interests in areas such as stability in the Eastern Mediterranean

European Council President Charles Michel said that the Union agrees to foster positive and stable relations with Türkiye, addressing the press after the first day of the European Union (EU) summit in Brussels.

He expressed the desire of EU leaders to engage in strategic discussions concerning Türkiye and highlighted the consensus reached at the end of the session.

Michel emphasized the Union’s aspiration to establish positive and stable relations with Türkiye through a gradual, proportionate and reversible approach.

He underscored the significance of the situation in Cyprus – particularly the U.N.-led resolution process.

The summit’s outcome statement outlined the EU’s strategic interest in developing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Türkiye – emphasizing stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.

It also called for the advancement of recommendations outlined in a joint report presented by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and the European Commission in November 2023, with instructions for further progress to be made by the EU Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER), guided by the European Council as necessary.

Progress hinges on Cyprus issue

The statement acknowledged that Türkiye’s constructive engagement would be beneficial for advancing various areas of cooperation identified in the report.

Additionally, it underscored the importance the EU places on the resumption and progress of Cyprus negotiations – which could also enhance EU-Türkiye cooperation.

The joint report proposed the reactivation of the EU-Türkiye High-Level Dialogues on Economy, Energy and Transportation suspended in 2019, contingent upon Türkiye refraining from all illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and respecting the sovereignty and sovereignty rights.

It also recommended restarting ministerial-level meetings of the Partnership Council and High-Level Political Dialogue and increasing the number of sectoral High-Level Dialogues on topics such as climate, health, migration and security, agriculture and research and innovation.

Source: Newsroom

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