29.04.2025 17:21
During an official visit to Rome, where he attended a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Meloni, President Erdoğan stated that there is a strong bond between Italy and Turkey, adding, "One of the reasons for this is Ms. Meloni's courageous stance." Meloni, in turn, remarked, "Our communication with Turkey in the Mediterranean will develop. Our relations with Turkey go far beyond economic partnership."
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President Erdoğan went to Rome to attend the Turkey-Italy Fourth Intergovernmental Summit in response to the official invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. After bilateral and inter-delegation meetings, Erdoğan and Meloni held a joint press conference.
MELONI: WE ARE STRATEGIC PARTNERS WITH TURKEY
Italian Prime Minister Meloni stated in her remarks: "We achieved our trade target with Turkey 5 years ahead of schedule. Our cooperation is not limited to this area. We have signed many agreements between our governments. We are determined to advance communication further. We are strategic partners in energy and natural gas. We are trying to go further in renewable energy and other areas. We are advancing our cooperation in many areas such as space, high-speed trains, sports, and archaeology. Our relationship is strategic, far beyond economic relations.
"OUR COMMUNICATION WITH TURKEY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN WILL IMPROVE"
Our communication with Turkey in the Mediterranean will improve. We are allies in Europe, the Mediterranean, and NATO. I also thank Mr. Erdoğan for his stance in the Russia-Ukraine War. We hope that Russia will show a peace will like Ukraine. Regarding Gaza, Italy supports the efforts of Arab countries. We support efforts towards lasting peace. In Syria, there should be a democratic transition. A transition that embraces minorities. An environment should be created where refugees can return home with peace of mind.
"THE NUMBER OF MIGRANTS FROM TURKEY HAS DROPPED TO ZERO"
We also talked about Lebanon. We agree on full stability. We discussed migration as well. The number of migrants from Turkey has dropped to zero. Thank you. We can be proud of what we have done so far. We will take our strong friendship further."
ERDOĞAN: THERE IS A VALUABLE HARMONY BETWEEN US
After Italian Prime Minister Meloni, Erdoğan took the floor. Erdoğan stated: "Since our first summit, our relations have been advancing more and more each day. There is a valuable harmony between us on many points, such as the security of the Mediterranean and the preservation of the transatlantic bond. One of the reasons for this is Ms. Meloni's courageous stance.
"ITALY IS IN THE TOP 5 AMONG OUR ECONOMIC PARTNERS"
The driving force of our relations is the economy and trade. Italy is in the top 5 among our economic partners. Our new trade target is 40 billion dollars, and we will achieve this. We will continue our cooperation with Italy regarding irregular migration in the upcoming period. As a sign of our friendship, we will co-host the 2032 European Football Championship with Italy.
We are going through a period where global and regional developments are directing Italy and Turkey towards closer cooperation. I believe that Italy, which has supported our EU membership process from the beginning, will continue this attitude. Turkey will continue to contribute to security as a key player in the security of the Black Sea. Gaza has also become one of our important agenda items. Our priority is to return to the ceasefire in Gaza, where humanitarian aid has not been allowed for two months.
"WE WANT TO HOST MELONI IN TURKEY"
We are focused on the reconstruction of the country in Syria, strengthening its institutions, and preserving its territorial integrity. We will continue to work together on long-term and sustainable solutions for the stability and prosperity of Libya. We want to host the Italian President and Meloni in Turkey. I thank our Italian friends."
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