Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called for a revival of Turkey's European Union accession process during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa at the Turkish presidential complex in Ankara.
According to a statement from the Turkish presidency's communications directorate, discussions focused on Turkey-EU relations as well as a range of regional and international developments.
Erdoğan welcomed the recent increase in contacts between Turkey and the European Union at all levels, saying Ankara's main expectation is the reinvigoration of Turkey's accession bid.
He argued that progress would require the activation of relevant mechanisms and the resumption of the necessary meetings and procedures.
The Turkish president also noted that Turkey has been an EU candidate country for many years and remains part of the EU-Turkey Customs Union. He said reforms and economic developments have helped turn Turkey into an important production hub for Europe.
According to Erdoğan, the close integration of the Turkish and European economies strengthens the EU's international competitiveness. In that context, he said Ankara expects Turkey to be included in future EU initiatives relating to trade and investment.
Erdoğan also addressed European security, stressing that Turkey has taken initiatives aimed at contributing to the continent's defence and stability.
At the same time, he said Ankara expects steps from its partners that are consistent with the spirit and obligations of the NATO alliance.
The meeting also covered Turkey's diplomatic efforts to help resolve regional conflicts and crises.
Among the issues discussed were developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions between the United States and Iran, and the ongoing conflicts involving Israel in Gaza and Lebanon.
Source: CNA
