The European Union and Turkey expressed their support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General regarding the Cyprus issue, during high-level talks held on June 30 in Ankara, according to a joint statement.

The talks were attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kalas, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, and Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Bruner.

According to the joint statement, the two sides reviewed EU-Turkey relations in light of international developments, recalling Turkey’s status as a candidate country for accession and recognizing the strategic importance of cooperation for regional stability and economic resilience.

The agenda included economic and trade cooperation, connectivity, migration, security, defense, and developments in foreign policy.

Both sides underscored the importance of regional stability and good-neighborly relations and expressed their support for the UN Secretary-General’s efforts regarding the Cyprus issue.

The European side also stressed the need to strengthen the rule of law, protect fundamental rights, and ensure high democratic standards in Turkey.

Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, in a post on the X platform, stated that “the importance of our relationship with Turkey cannot be underestimated in a world that is becoming increasingly unstable.”

As she noted, during her meeting with Hakan Fidan, they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the areas of trade, energy, and security.

Marta Kos also met with Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu, and Minister of Trade Omer Bolat.

The discussions focused on infrastructure projects in Turkey that could make trade and energy connections between Europe and Central Asia faster and more cost-effective.

The European Commissioner also emphasized that, as a candidate country, Turkey must meet high standards of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

The talks also addressed developments in Ukraine, Russia, the Middle East, Africa, and the South Caucasus.

The EU and Turkey reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to achieving a just and lasting peace based on international law. The European side emphasized the importance of preventing the circumvention of EU sanctions.

The two sides also agreed to coordinate their efforts to strengthen peace, connectivity, and economic ties in the South Caucasus.

Particular mention was made of strengthening dialogue and cooperation in the areas of security and defense, in a framework complementary to NATO.

At the same time, the intention to improve the implementation of the Customs Union and promote its modernization was reaffirmed.

The joint statement also notes that Turkey’s potential participation in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) would be beneficial.

The two sides also discussed the progress of the dialogue on visa liberalization and the problems faced by Turkish citizens when submitting and processing visa applications.

On migration, they agreed to strengthen cooperation on border management and the fight against the smuggling of migrants.

The EU and Turkey also expressed their satisfaction with the gradual resumption of the European Investment Bank’s activities in Turkey.

Finally, they agreed to hold new high-level meetings and dialogues, preferably before the end of 2026, focusing on the economy, trade, migration, security, health, science, innovation, and agriculture.

Source: KYPE