Europe planning all steps on the continent’s security together with Türkiye would be in the interests of both sides, said the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday.
The efforts to reach an agreement that will guarantee navigation safety in the Black Sea also align with this approach, Erdogan noted, stressing Türkiye’s support to Ukraine through its defense industry and the contributions of its private sector “which has not left the country despite the war conditions.”
“We believe there is no justification for excluding us from the EU’s defense products procurement or reconstruction programs,” Erdogan said in an address to an online meeting organized by the bloc.
“It is essential for the EU to amend this stance as it is a matter of our shared interests. Let us not forget that European security is not just an issue for the member countries of the Union; it is a matter that concerns all European allies,” he added.
Erdogan stated that the challenges they face once again highlight how critical the relationship between Türkiye and the EU is for Europe’s economic security and defense.
It is in the interest of both sides to act with a long-term, strategic perspective in Türkiye-EU relations, Erdogan said, noting: “I hope that we will hold all high-level meetings together as soon as possible.”
Türkiye is continuing its EU membership bid, he said, adding: “We expect the EU to adopt a more strategic approach to revitalizing our membership negotiations.”
Highlighting the importance of protecting the “strong support of our ally, the US,” and preserving the “transatlantic bond to the greatest extent,” Erdogan stressed Türkiye’s readiness to contribute to the strengthened defense sector, with its equipped with advanced technology.
“I believe that the European defense industry program within the Union should be open to all European allies,” he added.
Erdogan underlined the importance of including Türkiye in such mechanisms as the European Peace Facility, focused on the reconstruction and revitalization of Ukraine.
About the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the Turkish president also stressed the importance of a strong diplomatic foundation where both sides fighting for a fair and honorable peace are at the table.
“While doing this, we also strongly supported the territorial integrity and independence of our strategic partner, Ukraine,” Erdogan said.
Türkiye supports the idea of an immediate ceasefire and a cessation of attacks in the air and at sea as a confidence-building measure between parties, he added, referring to the Moscow-Kyiv war.
Christodoulides Opposes Turkey’s Participation in European Meetings on Ukraine
Meanwhile, Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides expressed his opposition to Turkey’s involvement in meetings between European and third countries regarding the situation in Ukraine.
Speaking at the extraordinary summit, Christodoulides emphasized that meetings with only select EU member states undermine the unity needed within the European Union, especially considering existing disagreements among some countries.
He criticized Turkey’s participation, stating, “Turkey is the country that continuously violates European sanctions against the Russian Federation” and “is exploiting these sanctions for its own benefit.”
Christodoulides highlighted the importance of EU unity, saying, “As the European Union, we must be a leading actor in efforts to end the war. Ukraine borders Europe.” He stressed that partial participation in meetings sends a negative message about the EU’s solidarity.
( Source: AA/ CAN)
