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EU Commissioner Calls for Focus on Türkiye Ties
(MENAFN) EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has emphasized the need to “look with fresh eyes” at relations with Türkiye, describing stronger cooperation as mutually beneficial. Speaking in an exclusive interview ahead of her official visit to Ankara on February 5-6, Kos stressed that “there is really more that connects EU and Türkiye than what is dividing us, and we really should work on this,” highlighting the close economic interdependence between the two sides.
Kos said she is “very much looking forward” to her first formal trip to Türkiye and noted that she has maintained “intense contacts” with Turkish officials, particularly Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, since assuming her role. She framed the visit as part of a broader approach led by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has engaged with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to open a new chapter in EU-Türkiye relations.
Acknowledging current global tensions, Kos observed that “the world is changing around us. We are seeing the return of imperial behavior as China, Russia, and the US are aggressively building their spheres of interest.” She argued that these geopolitical challenges underscore the importance of closer collaboration, pointing out that “whatever happens on the field of migration on each side is affecting the other side.”
Kos also expressed hope that a peace agreement in Ukraine will be reached soon, saying it could transform conditions in Europe, particularly in the Black Sea, where she views Türkiye as a key partner. She stressed that fostering trust will be a central goal of her visit, noting that reliable partnerships are increasingly vital in both politics and business.
Describing Türkiye as central to the EU’s Connectivity Strategy, Kos highlighted the country’s role in linking Europe with Central Asia through transport, energy, digital, and people-focused networks. “We can’t do this without Türkiye,” she said, calling the middle corridor a critical element in strengthening regional connections.
Kos said she is “very much looking forward” to her first formal trip to Türkiye and noted that she has maintained “intense contacts” with Turkish officials, particularly Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, since assuming her role. She framed the visit as part of a broader approach led by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has engaged with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to open a new chapter in EU-Türkiye relations.
Acknowledging current global tensions, Kos observed that “the world is changing around us. We are seeing the return of imperial behavior as China, Russia, and the US are aggressively building their spheres of interest.” She argued that these geopolitical challenges underscore the importance of closer collaboration, pointing out that “whatever happens on the field of migration on each side is affecting the other side.”
Kos also expressed hope that a peace agreement in Ukraine will be reached soon, saying it could transform conditions in Europe, particularly in the Black Sea, where she views Türkiye as a key partner. She stressed that fostering trust will be a central goal of her visit, noting that reliable partnerships are increasingly vital in both politics and business.
Describing Türkiye as central to the EU’s Connectivity Strategy, Kos highlighted the country’s role in linking Europe with Central Asia through transport, energy, digital, and people-focused networks. “We can’t do this without Türkiye,” she said, calling the middle corridor a critical element in strengthening regional connections.
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