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Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reaffirmed his country's "unwavering commitment" to the European Union membership process during a meeting with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in Istanbul last Friday.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry released a joint statement following the meeting, emphasizing the need for a "credible and principled enlargement policy" that treats all candidate countries fairly and bases the process solely on merit and objective criteria.
Fidan and Kos agreed to advance a common agenda on key connectivity issues, particularly focusing on the EU's Black Sea Strategy and projects linking Europe to Central Asia. The cooperation encompasses trade, energy, transport and digitalization sectors.
The two officials emphasized Türkiye's candidate status for EU membership and its constructive role in ensuring stability and prosperity in the wider region.
Both parties welcomed the adoption of a Commission Decision facilitating the issuance of multiple-entry visas for Turkish citizens, aimed at strengthening predictability and increasing mobility. They underlined the importance of the Visa Liberalization Dialogue.
"The update of the Customs Union is mutually beneficial and necessary for building a resilient and inclusive economic partnership," the joint statement noted. Fidan and Kos reiterated their joint commitment to work toward better implementation of the current Customs Union and paving the way for an update that would further support competitiveness and economic security for both sides.
Recognizing the European Investment Bank (EIB) as a key actor in regional development, both parties expressed their intention to strengthen cooperation with the EIB to support innovation-driven, sustainable projects in Türkiye and neighboring regions.
They also welcomed support for investments through the Türkiye Investment Platform, expressing a joint commitment to channeling investments into strategic sectors, promoting long-term sustainability and increasing regional inclusiveness.
In the context of Ukraine's reconstruction, the parties committed to intensifying joint efforts and encouraging private sector participation to ensure the reconstruction of vital infrastructure and services.
The minister and commissioner also exchanged views on the third round of Russia-Ukraine talks held in Istanbul on July 24 and the Balkan Peace Platform on July 26.
Minister Fidan briefed Kos on the informal meetings in expanded format on Cyprus held in Geneva and New York under the auspices of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Commissioner Kos welcomed these talks.
Kos emphasized that dialogue on the rule of law and democratic standards is "an integral part of Türkiye-EU relations" and highlighted Türkiye's commitment in this direction as a candidate country.
Minister Fidan reminded of the urgent need for a credible and principled enlargement policy, underlining that "all candidate countries should be treated fairly and the process should be based solely on merit and objective criteria."
He reaffirmed Türkiye's unwavering commitment to the EU membership process.
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