Baghdad: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed his country's firm commitment to the European Union accession. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has reiterated Turkey's dedication to joining the European Union, emphasizing its status as a candidate country.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Fidan stressed the importance of Turkey's status as a candidate for EU membership and its constructive role in ensuring stability and prosperity in the entire region.
The two sides agreed to advance a joint agenda on key connectivity issues, including trade, energy, transport, and digitalization, based on a shared vision for strategic cooperation, with a particular focus on the EU Black Sea Strategy and projects connecting Europe with Central Asia.
The two sides welcomed the adoption of the Commission's decision facilitating the issuance of multiple-entry visas for Turkish citizens, which aims to enhance predictability and increase mobility. They also emphasized the importance of dialogue on visa liberalization.
Fidan and Kos emphasized their shared commitment to improving the implementation of the current Customs Union and paving the way for its modernization, which will enhance the competitiveness and economic security of both parties. They agreed that modernizing the Customs Union is mutually beneficial and essential for building a solid and comprehensive economic partnership.
They also expressed their determination to strengthen cooperation with the European Investment Bank to support sustainable, innovation-focused projects in Turkey and neighboring regions.
Both parties pledged to intensify joint efforts to ensure the reconstruction of vital infrastructure and services in the context of Ukraine's reconstruction and to encourage private sector participation.
The Turkish Minister and the European Commissioner exchanged views on the third round of Russia-Ukraine talks held in Istanbul on July 24 and the Balkan Peace Platform held on July 26.
Fidan also briefed Kos on the expanded informal meetings on Cyprus held in Geneva and New York under the auspices of UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres, which the European Commissioner welcomed.
In a separate context, Fidan highlighted the urgent need for a credible and principled enlargement policy, emphasizing the need to treat all candidate countries fairly and that the process should be based exclusively on merit and objective criteria. He emphasized Turkey's unwavering commitment to the EU accession process.
Kos, for her part, noted that dialogue on the rule of law and democratic standards is an integral part of Turkey-EU relations.