Istanbul: Minister Hakan Fidan and EU Commissioner Marta Kos convened in Istanbul to emphasize the significance of Türkiye’s EU candidacy and its role in promoting regional stability and prosperity. The meeting, held on July 25, highlighted a mutual commitment to strengthening ties and advancing a strategic agenda.
According to European Union, both parties agreed to focus on connectivity in areas such as trade, energy, transportation, and digitalization, aligning with the EU’s Black Sea strategy and projects connecting Europe to Central Asia. The discussions also celebrated the Commission Decision that facilitates multiple-entry visas for Turkish citizens, enhancing predictability and mobility, and underlined the significance of the Visa Liberalization Dialogue.
The meeting welcomed the Türkiye Investment Platform’s support for channeling investments into strategic sectors, aiming for sustainability and regional inclusivity. Additionally, Minister Fidan and Commissioner Kos exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul on July 24 and the Balkan Peace Platform on July 26.
Minister Fidan updated the Commissioner on informal Cyprus meetings under the UN Secretary-General’s auspices in Geneva and New York, with Commissioner Kos expressing support for these dialogues. She also emphasized the importance of discussions on rule of law and democratic standards as core elements of Türkiye’s relationship with the EU, reflecting its candidacy commitments.
Minister Fidan reiterated the need for a credible enlargement policy, advocating for fair treatment of all candidate countries based on merit and objective criteria, and reaffirmed Türkiye’s dedication to the EU accession process.