Ankara and Brussels came together once again on Wednesday, as they held the third session of the high-level dialogue on migration and security in Istanbul. The two parties met to discuss and strengthen their cooperation in areas of mutual interest, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported.
The high-level dialogue meeting, co-chaired by Turkish Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu and EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos, was deemed a success by both parties. It served as a platform for open and constructive discussions on shared challenges, as well as identifying common objectives and opportunities for collaboration.
The agenda of the meeting revolved around topics such as irregular migration, combating human trafficking and smuggling, border management and cooperation, and third country cooperation. With migration being a pressing issue for both Turkey and the European Union (EU), the dialogue aimed to find effective and sustainable solutions through mutual understanding and cooperation.
One of the main highlights of the meeting was the signing of a Joint Declaration on Migration Cooperation between Turkey and the EU. The declaration sets out the principles and objectives of the cooperation between the two parties and provides a framework for future collaboration in the field of migration. It also emphasizes the importance of mutual trust and respect, as well as the need to address migration in a comprehensive and multidimensional manner.
The Joint Declaration comes at a crucial time, as Turkey continues to shoulder the burden of hosting more than 3.6 million refugees, most of whom are from Syria. The EU has been a key partner in supporting Turkey in this regard, providing financial assistance and technical support. In return, Turkey has made significant efforts to improve the living conditions of refugees and to prevent irregular migration towards the EU.
During the meeting, Minister Soylu stressed the importance of cooperation between Turkey and the EU in addressing the challenges of irregular migration. He stated, “Turkey is the largest refugee-hosting country in the world and our efforts have contributed to the decrease in irregular migration towards the EU. However, we cannot solve this issue alone. It requires a joint effort and a comprehensive approach.”
Commissioner Avramopoulos also acknowledged Turkey’s efforts and highlighted the EU’s commitment to continue supporting Turkey in managing the refugee situation. He said, “Turkey and the EU have a shared responsibility and a common interest in addressing migratory challenges. We have made significant progress in our collaboration and we will continue to work together to tackle this complex issue.”
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange views on the actions taken to prevent human trafficking and smuggling. The EU praised Turkey’s efforts in this regard, especially in terms of capacity building and law enforcement. The two parties also agreed to strengthen their cooperation in this area, which is a crime that affects both Turkey and the EU.
Border management and cooperation were also high on the agenda of the meeting, as the EU acknowledged Turkey’s commitment to ensuring the security of its borders. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in this field, including through the implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement, which has effectively reduced the number of irregular crossings from Turkey to the EU.
In addition, the meeting also focused on third country cooperation, with Turkey and the EU agreeing to work closely together to address the root causes of migration and to provide support to countries of origin and transit. The EU reiterated its support for Turkey’s efforts in this regard, particularly in the Balkans and in Africa.
The third session of the high-level dialogue on migration and security between Ankara and Brussels has once again demonstrated the strong partnership and commitment of both parties in addressing shared challenges. The Joint Declaration on Migration Cooperation and the fruitful discussions during the meeting are a testament to the progress made and the determination to continue working together towards a common goal.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing their satisfaction with the outcome and reaffirming their commitment to further strengthen their cooperation in the future. The high-level dialogue will continue to serve as a valuable platform for open and constructive discussions, with the ultimate goal of finding effective and sustainable solutions to the complex issue of migration.
