In a phone conversation on Tuesday, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the strategic significance of Türkiye’s relationship with the European Union in light of rising regional tensions. This discussion with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the ongoing importance of strong ties between Türkiye and the EU as they navigate complex regional and global issues.
The dialogue between the two leaders covered a range of topics, including the state of Türkiye-EU relations and developments in the region. Erdoğan expressed Türkiye’s efforts to uphold a cease-fire and promote peace amid regional conflicts. He pointed out the urgency of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage whose closure has impacted international trade and security.
Erdoğan also addressed concerns regarding Israel, accusing it of fostering continued conflicts and breaching international law, including actions he described as piracy. He advocated for increased international pressure on Israel to curb its activities in the region, underscoring Türkiye’s stance on the matter.
Furthermore, Erdoğan stressed the potential benefits of integrating Türkiye into Europe’s security strategy initiatives, suggesting that such inclusion would strengthen mutual security interests. He also called for an update of the Turkish-EU Customs Union to enhance economic cooperation and integration, which he believes would serve the shared interests of both Türkiye and the European Union.