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Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky on Monday described relations with Türkiye as “friendly” and reaffirmed Prague’s support for Türkiye’s European Union candidacy.
Speaking to the Turkish news agency Anadolu in Prague, Lipavsky addressed bilateral ties, Türkiye’s role in European security and Ankara’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Our countries have long maintained very friendly relations. We are allies in NATO, and we support Türkiye’s European Union candidacy,” Lipavsky said, praising the intensification of high-level contacts in recent years.
He recalled his June 2024 visit to Ankara, where he met with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Lipavsky said bilateral trade had nearly doubled in the last five years, reaching around €7 billion in 2024.
He noted that Czech companies are increasingly investing in diverse sectors in Türkiye.
Highlighting the “clear potential” for further growth, he cited agriculture, environmental projects, food, defense, as well as information and space technologies as promising fields.
He also welcomed expanding cooperation between universities and academic institutions, alongside rising numbers of tourists traveling in both directions.
“This is undoubtedly a reflection of the close relations between our countries,” he said.
Lipavsky stressed Türkiye’s “indispensable role” in Europe’s security and defense as a NATO ally.
He expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s support to Ukraine, adding: “We also welcome Türkiye’s contribution to mediation efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.”
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