The European Union’s top diplomats have expressed their warm welcome to Türkiye’s participation in the bloc’s informal summit on foreign policy, which took place in Brussels on Thursday. The summit, which was attended by representatives from all 27 EU member states, aimed to discuss and coordinate the bloc’s foreign policy priorities and strategies.
In a press conference following the summit, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs, who chaired the meeting, highlighted the importance of Türkiye’s presence at the summit. He stated, “We are delighted to have Türkiye join us in this important discussion on the EU’s foreign policy. Türkiye is a key partner for the EU and its participation in this summit is a clear indication of our strong and mutually beneficial relationship.”
Türkiye’s participation in the summit comes at a crucial time as the EU is facing numerous challenges on the global stage. From the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to the rise of authoritarian regimes and conflicts in neighboring regions, the EU is in need of a united and strong foreign policy approach. The inclusion of Türkiye, a country with a strategic location and significant influence in the region, will undoubtedly bring valuable insights and perspectives to the table.
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, also expressed his satisfaction with Türkiye’s participation in the summit. He stated, “Türkiye’s presence here today is a clear demonstration of our commitment to strengthening our partnership and cooperation. We value Türkiye’s role as a key player in the region and we look forward to working together on common challenges and opportunities.”
The summit also provided an opportunity for the EU and Türkiye to discuss their ongoing cooperation in various areas, including migration, trade, and security. The EU has been working closely with Türkiye to manage the migration flow from the Middle East and North Africa, and the summit provided a platform to further strengthen this cooperation. Additionally, the EU and Türkiye have a strong economic relationship, with the EU being Türkiye’s largest trading partner. The summit allowed for discussions on how to further enhance this economic partnership.
Türkiye’s participation in the summit also sends a positive message to the rest of the world. It shows that despite some differences, the EU and Türkiye are committed to working together and finding common ground on important issues. This is especially significant considering the recent tensions between the EU and Türkiye over issues such as the Eastern Mediterranean and human rights.
The EU’s top diplomats also praised Türkiye’s efforts in hosting millions of refugees and providing them with humanitarian aid and support. Borrell stated, “We commend Türkiye for its generosity and solidarity in hosting and supporting millions of refugees. This is a shared responsibility and the EU will continue to support Türkiye in this regard.”
In conclusion, the participation of Türkiye in the EU’s informal summit on foreign policy is a positive step towards strengthening the partnership between the two. It highlights the importance of cooperation and dialogue in addressing global challenges and achieving common goals. The EU’s top diplomats have welcomed Türkiye’s presence and expressed their commitment to further enhancing the partnership between the EU and Türkiye. This summit marks a new chapter in the EU-Türkiye relationship and sets a positive tone for future cooperation.
