Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently spoke at a news conference with his counterpart from Hungary, which will assume the rotating EU presidency in July. The event, held on Thursday, was a significant moment for both countries as they work towards strengthening their relationship with the European Union. Fidan’s speech highlighted Turkey’s commitment to the EU and its determination to continue on the path of progress and growth.
Speaking at the conference, Fidan expressed his appreciation for Hungary’s upcoming presidency and the opportunity to work closely with them. He emphasized the importance of cooperation and collaboration between Turkey and the EU, stating that it is crucial for the stability and prosperity of the region.
Turkey’s relationship with the EU has been a long-standing one, dating back to the country’s application for membership in 1987. Since then, Turkey has made significant progress in aligning its laws and policies with the EU’s standards and values. This has been a challenging journey, but Turkey remains steadfast in its commitment to the EU and its principles.
Fidan also highlighted the positive impact of the EU-Turkey Customs Union, which has been in effect since 1996. This union has been mutually beneficial for both Turkey and the EU, allowing for the free movement of goods and services and contributing to the growth of trade between the two. Fidan expressed Turkey’s desire to further strengthen this union and deepen its economic ties with the EU.
The Foreign Minister also addressed the issue of visa liberalization for Turkish citizens, a topic of great importance for the people of Turkey. Fidan expressed his hope that this issue would be resolved soon, stating that it would be a significant step towards further strengthening the relationship between Turkey and the EU. He also emphasized the need for fair and equal treatment of Turkish citizens in terms of visa policies.
Fidan also touched upon the ongoing negotiations for Turkey’s accession to the EU. He highlighted the progress made by Turkey in fulfilling the EU’s criteria and stated that Turkey is ready to take on the responsibilities of being a member state. Fidan also expressed his hope for an acceleration of the accession process, as it would be beneficial for both Turkey and the EU.
The Foreign Minister also addressed the issue of the ongoing refugee crisis, which has been a significant challenge for both Turkey and the EU. He acknowledged Turkey’s role as a key player in managing the influx of refugees and expressed his appreciation for the EU’s support in this regard. Fidan also called for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing the root causes of the refugee crisis.
In his speech, Fidan also highlighted Turkey’s efforts in the fight against terrorism and its role as a key partner in promoting regional peace and stability. He emphasized Turkey’s determination to continue working with the EU and its member states in this regard.
The news conference was an important platform for Turkey to reaffirm its commitment to the EU and its desire to strengthen its ties with the union. Fidan’s speech was not only a testament to Turkey’s achievements and progress but also a call for greater cooperation and solidarity between Turkey and the EU.
As Turkey prepares to mark its 100th anniversary as a republic in 2023, the country remains dedicated to its goal of becoming a member of the EU. Fidan’s speech at the news conference was a reflection of Turkey’s positive attitude and determination to continue on the path of progress and growth. The country is confident that with the support of the EU, it can overcome any challenges and achieve its goals.
In conclusion, the news conference was a significant moment for Turkey and the EU, highlighting the strong partnership and cooperation between the two. Fidan’s speech was a positive and motivating message, emphasizing Turkey’s commitment to the EU and its determination to continue on the path of progress and growth. As Turkey and the EU move forward, it is evident that their relationship will continue to strengthen, bringing mutual benefits and contributing to the stability and prosperity of the region.
