29.04.2025 23:01
After the joint press conference of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Turkey-Italy Business Forum, the "Joint Declaration of the 4th Turkey-Italy Intergovernmental Summit" was announced. The declaration emphasized that cooperation would advance further, and it was decided that the Third Joint Economic and Trade Commission Meeting would be held in Turkey in the fourth quarter of 2025.
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After the joint press conference of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Turkey-Italy Business Forum, the "Joint Declaration of the 4th Turkey-Italy Intergovernmental Summit" was announced. In the statement published on the social media account of the Presidency of Communications, it was noted that President Erdoğan and Prime Minister Meloni co-chaired the Turkey-Italy 4th Intergovernmental Summit held today in Rome.
It was stated that the Turkish delegation included Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, and Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak.
On the Italian side, it was noted that the delegation included Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi, Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso, Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli, Minister of Sports and Youth Andrea Abodi, and Minister for Disabilities Alessandra Locatelli. The statement expressed the following:
"As NATO allies and G20 partners, Turkey and Italy will continue to maintain close cooperation and coordination on regional and international issues. Turkey and Italy make significant contributions to international peace and stability in Europe and beyond. They aim to enhance their cooperation through regular consultations at all levels. The summit was held at a time when significant developments are taking place on a regional and global scale, with ongoing challenges such as the Ukraine-Russia War, discussions regarding European security architecture and international trade, the dire situation in Gaza, irregular migration requiring consistent responses and effective cooperation, and climate change. The parties reiterated their agreement on the regular organization of the Intergovernmental Summit and the holding of the fifth summit in Turkey. Acknowledging Turkey's contributions to the stability and prosperity of the entire European continent, the parties emphasized the importance of developing relations between the EU and Turkey, considering Turkey's candidate country status."
In this regard, the parties agreed to coordinate their efforts to achieve concrete results in key areas such as accelerating the Turkey-EU Visa Liberalization Dialogue, renewing cooperation on migration issues, and strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation. It was reported that the parties also emphasized the urgent need to update the Turkey-EU Customs Union, which would provide potential benefits for both sides.
ECONOMY, TRADE, AND INDUSTRY In the statement highlighting the parties' determination to identify and implement new approaches aimed at increasing cooperation in the economy and trade and strengthening development in these areas, the following evaluations were made:
"The parties welcomed the fact that the bilateral trade volume is expected to exceed their common target of 30 billion dollars in 2024. Considering the deepening bilateral trade and economic relations, they set a new medium-term target of reaching a trade volume of 40 billion dollars. The parties decided to work together to achieve this new target and to hold the Third Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) Meeting in Turkey in the fourth quarter of 2025. The parties also welcomed the organization of the business forum on the margins of today's summit. The parties believe that direct investments between the two countries constitute an important dimension of economic relations. Therefore, they decided to further encourage Turkish and Italian investors by promoting industrial cooperation, technology transfer based on mutually agreed conditions, and supporting the use of key technologies in industry. The parties also expressed their willingness to advance cooperation in the fields of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity."
TRANSPORTATION It was noted that the parties recognized the vital role of transportation corridors in both maintaining global supply chains and contributing to social and economic development.
In the statement emphasizing the satisfaction expressed by Turkey and Italy regarding their existing relations in the maritime field, it was stated, "The parties confirmed the results achieved at the last Joint Transport Commission meeting. The parties agreed to further strengthen civil aviation relations between the two countries." The statement expressed the following: "In light of the decisions made at recent NATO summits and within the framework of the strategic concept, the parties emphasized their determination to strengthen their cooperation on issues such as threats and multifaceted challenges arising particularly from the southern flank of the Alliance, especially in the fight against terrorism. The parties reaffirmed their willingness to develop NATO-EU Strategic Partnership as agreed and the importance of potential full participation of non-EU allies in the EU's defense efforts for the development of this partnership."
It was noted that the parties acknowledged that defense industry companies from Turkey and Italy have successfully completed joint projects in recent years and that there is a political will to advance this cooperation, recognizing that the defense industry plays a key role in both current and future relations, and therefore they will continue to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in this sector. In this understanding, the parties reported that they decided to hold the 14th Defense Industry Cooperation Meeting in 2025 and to conduct mutual high-level visits and technical meetings to elevate the level of bilateral defense relations to serve as an example for allies. The parties also reiterated their commitments to develop defense industry cooperation within NATO and to support joint efforts towards a stronger European defense industry.
SECURITY The parties welcomed the momentum gained in bilateral cooperation in combating transnational organized crime and reiterated their determination to strengthen cooperation, particularly regarding the connection between organized crime and the financing of terrorism.
The parties also expressed their decision to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the aim of identifying and assessing threats to the security of both countries and common challenges, defining joint initiatives and actions, and promoting methods, best practices, and the exchange of expertise to prevent the most serious types of crime, including terrorism, transnational organized crime, and cybercrime.
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In the statement, it was stated that "The parties have also decided to coordinate their efforts to strengthen judicial cooperation in matters related to the extradition of criminals, mutual legal assistance, the transfer of sentenced persons, and the protection of children within the framework of the Council of Europe Conventions to which both states are parties, and to prioritize mutual legal assistance in the fight against terrorism and organized crime. As NATO allies, the parties emphasized their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism to enhance regional and international stability in an increasingly complex security environment. In this context, the parties also emphasized the importance of the resumption of the 'Turkey-Italy Counter-Terrorism Consultations,' as these consultations are built on a strong partnership between two regional actors of strategic importance."
CULTURE, SCIENCE, YOUTH AND SPORTS The parties confirmed their determination to further strengthen existing cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels in the fields of culture, science, youth, art, music, choreography education, innovation, and archives based on the 1951 Cultural Agreement, and decided to promote the mutual circulation of artworks through exhibitions and joint projects, as well as to encourage joint efforts in the field of intangible cultural heritage. It was noted that the important role of sports and the promotion of integrity in sports in supporting personal development, social cohesion, and sustainable growth was recognized, and the parties emphasized their willingness to support promotional activities considering the impact of tourism in promoting interaction among peoples.
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT It was reported that the strategic importance of the Southern Gas Corridor was highlighted in the context of strengthening energy supply security and diversifying resources, and the parties welcomed their strong cooperation in this area. The parties reiterated their commitment to advancing cooperation in this area, acknowledging that energy carries an inclusive value for common growth, security, and prosperity, including the Mediterranean Region. Considering the key roles in the global clean energy transition, the importance of strengthening cooperation to ensure the security of critical minerals and rare earth element supply chains was emphasized. It was reported that the parties decided to strengthen their cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, hydrogen, and natural gas infrastructure, considering the high potential for cooperation in the field of clean energy. Both sides agreed to explore areas for further cooperation, including joint projects in the oil and gas sector in their own countries and third countries, expressing their willingness to enhance cooperation through joint projects and to exchange information in areas such as green transition and zero waste. The parties also expressed their commitment to developing innovative solutions to reduce emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
COOPERATION IN INTERNATIONAL FORUMS AND IRREGULAR MIGRATION The statement recorded the following: "The parties have confirmed their determination to maintain a regular strategic dialogue aimed at contributing to regional and international peace, security, and stability, as well as multilateralism centered on the United Nations (UN). In this context, they expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing bilateral cooperation within the UN framework, including the UN Security Council reform under the Group of Friends of Consensus. They also pledged to support the three pillars of the UN system: peace and security, development, and human rights. The parties further emphasized the importance of cooperation in supporting peace and stability in third countries and regions based on respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of states, as well as in developing good neighborly relations and enhancing economic development and regional connectivity.
The parties assessed the current trends related to irregular migration, including migration routes, and the areas of cooperation in combating irregular migration. They emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating irregular migration. The parties agreed on the necessity of an approach that provides channels for regular migration and diversifies them while considering innovative solutions and addressing the root causes of migration. They highlighted their determination to continue the uninterrupted fight against human smuggling and trafficking in persons with an approach that respects international law and human dignity."
COMBATING RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE In the statement, it was noted that the parties expressed their willingness to cooperate in line with the goal of effectively combating all forms and manifestations of intolerance based on religion or belief, xenophobia, and discrimination.
As two coastal countries, the parties agreed to promote freedom of navigation and inclusive cooperation in the Mediterranean in the face of increasing risks such as environmental issues, climate change, energy, security, and irregular migration.
The parties reiterated the importance of resolving maritime boundary disputes through solutions based on the principle of fairness and on the basis of international law and agreement. It was emphasized that, if the necessary conditions are met, the organization of the Eastern Mediterranean Multilateral Conference would provide an opportunity to establish an inclusive cooperation mechanism in the region.
UKRAINE The parties confirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence, and their determination to continue efforts to bring a just and lasting peace to Ukraine as soon as possible. The statement referred to the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference to be held in Rome, noting that it was agreed to enhance cooperation between private sector representatives and public institutions to increase bilateral investments and promote potential mutual investment projects in Ukraine's reconstruction.
LIBYA AND SYRIA The parties confirmed their determination to support a political process to be conducted under the facilitation of the UN, with Libyan ownership and leadership, aimed at preserving Libya's security, stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity. ``````html
It was stated that the parties emphasized their determination to ensure the territorial integrity, unity, and sovereignty of Syria, and that the territories of Syria do not pose a threat to the region and beyond.
It was noted that the parties highlighted the importance of an inclusive political process that would result in a country where every member of the communities in Syria feels safe and secure and can enjoy their rights based on constitutional citizenship. The statement indicated that the parties expressed their determination to support Syria's economic recovery and reconstruction in an improved business and investment environment by alleviating sanctions to the greatest extent possible. The parties also reportedly agreed to seek ways to cooperate in providing support to Syria in the fight against terrorism and extremism, and to facilitate the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of Syrians in cooperation with relevant UN agencies such as UNHCR and IOM. In this context, they expressed a call for the international community to engage in further cooperation with Syria.
MIDDLE EAST The parties stated that they will continue to work together for peace and stability in the Middle East. Additionally, they called for the urgent and permanent ceasefire in Gaza in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2735, and for the full implementation of the agreement regarding the release-exchange of hostages and detainees, which came into effect on January 19, with the aim of permanently ending bloodshed, ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid delivery, and initiating the recovery and reconstruction process.
The parties reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution that envisions an independent Palestinian State living side by side with Israel in peace and security, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
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