President Erdogan calls for diplomacy and stronger EU-Türkiye relations

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war and called for Türkiye’s inclusion in European security and reconstruction efforts during the “Like-Minded Countries Leaders’ Online Meeting.”

“We highlight the importance of establishing a solid diplomatic framework where both warring parties can sit at the table for a just, lasting, and honorable peace. We support an immediate cease-fire and the cessation of air and naval attacks as a confidence-building measure between the parties,” Erdogan stated.

The meeting, organized by the European Union, was attended by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Mjoll Frostadottir, European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

Türkiye’s strategic role in European security

Erdogan underscored Türkiye’s significance in shaping European security policies and called for joint planning between Türkiye and the EU.

“We believe it is in our mutual interest to coordinate all steps related to European security with Türkiye,” he said.

Addressing Türkiye’s support for Ukraine, he pointed out the nation’s defense industry contributions and the persistence of Turkish private sector investments in Ukraine despite the ongoing war.

“Given our defense industry’s support for Ukraine and the unwavering contributions of our private sector despite wartime conditions, we find it unjustifiable that Türkiye is excluded from the EU’s defense procurement programs and reconstruction initiatives,” Erdogan stated.

He stressed that Türkiye should be included in mechanisms such as the European Peace Facility, which aims to support Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Türkiye’s EU membership perspective

Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to full EU membership and urged the bloc to adopt a more strategic and visionary stance.

“We firmly maintain our objective of full EU membership. The EU must now adopt a strategic and visionary approach and revive our accession negotiations as soon as possible,” he said.

He also called for the swift organization of high-level meetings between Türkiye and the EU to discuss shared security and economic challenges.

“As we work toward a just, lasting, and honorable peace in Ukraine, we are ready to host negotiation efforts and contribute in every possible way,” Erdogan concluded.