Erdogan Highlights Strategic Value of Türkiye-EU Relations

(MENAFN) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Monday that ongoing developments across the region have once again underscored the strategic significance of relations between Türkiye and the European Union. He emphasized that revising the Customs Union to reflect present-day realities is “a key area necessitating swift progress" in Türkiye’s journey toward full EU accession.

The statements were delivered during Erdogan’s meeting with Queen Mathilde in Istanbul. Discussions focused on bilateral ties between Türkiye and Belgium, in addition to various regional and international matters, according to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate.

"President Erdogan also underlined that Türkiye’s participation in the EU’s defense initiatives is in the mutual interest of all sides," the directorate said on US social media platform X.

Erdogan additionally pointed out that Türkiye and Belgium possess strong opportunities for collaboration across numerous sectors, such as commerce, the defense sector, energy, and agriculture. He added that both nations would persist in efforts aimed at deepening and enhancing their partnership.

Drawing attention to Türkiye’s growing diplomatic influence on the global stage, Erdogan noted that the country is set to host the NATO leaders summit in Ankara on July 7-8, as well as the COP31 climate conference from Nov. 9-20 later this year.

The Turkish leader also stressed that the transition toward green energy presents a valuable sphere for cooperation with Belgium, while highlighting that Türkiye ranks among Europe’s foremost countries in renewable energy installation capacity.

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