"Positive response from Europe to Erdoğan's security proposal."

12.03.2025 14:34

There is a sense of unease on the continent in the face of Trump's threat to withdraw the security umbrella in Europe. Support came from Europe in response to President Erdoğan's statement that "steps regarding European security should be planned with Turkey." Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp expressed that Turkey could contribute to the construction process of Europe's security architecture. The Dutch Minister also praised the Turkish military.

The Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, during his working visit to Ankara, evaluated the relations between Turkey and the Netherlands, the European security architecture, and regional and global developments in an interview with AA.

Expressing his pleasure at being in Turkey, which is a very important partner for the Netherlands and Europe, Veldkamp stated that there are half a million people of Turkish descent in his country.

Caspar Veldkamp pointed out that this means almost "half a million bridges" between the two countries, stating that the Turkish community in the Netherlands has integrated well into society and is also in a good economic position.

Veldkamp reported that Dutch private companies have made significant investments in Turkey, noting that many companies see opportunities in Turkey across various sectors.

The Dutch Foreign Minister Veldkamp recalled that he visited Turkey in the 1980s, during which rapid economic development and technological advancements occurred, indicating that the private sector in the Netherlands has also recognized these developments and opportunities.

"TURKEY AND THE NETHERLANDS ARE IMPORTANT PARTNERS"

Emphasizing that Turkey and the Netherlands are important partners in NATO and politically, Veldkamp stated that it is crucial for the two countries to come together to discuss issues in light of global events and the future of Europe and the Middle East.

Veldkamp pointed out the importance of discussions regarding Europe's security architecture, stating that the structure is currently in a continuous building process.

Stating that they are not developing this architecture through grand designs, Veldkamp noted:

"We are doing this by coming together in a meaningful way, the latest example being the meeting held in London with European leaders, which included (Foreign Minister) Hakan Fidan representing Turkey. Tomorrow, many chiefs of staff from various countries will gather in Paris to discuss the situation in Ukraine. Therefore, we are not making grand designs on the drawing board. We are genuinely coming together: What does it mean for there to be a peace agreement that includes strong security guarantees for Ukraine, rather than just a ceasefire? How can European countries help Ukraine recover, and how can they assure that Ukraine's future security will be respected? In other words, this time we are developing the security architecture not through design but through action."

"TURKEY HAS A SIGNIFICANT MILITARY CAPACITY"

Referring to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's statements about Turkey's significant contributions to European security, Dutch Foreign Minister Veldkamp stated, "(Rutte's) statements are important because it is essential for Turkey to have a seat at the table. Turkey has a capable and experienced large military force and can contribute in this context."

"WE DO NOT NEED TRUMP'S STATEMENTS"

Regarding the developments in the Gaza Strip, Veldkamp emphasized the importance of a ceasefire continuing in the short term and immediately, stating, "This is important for the people in Gaza. It is also significant for the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas. It is crucial for providing humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza, but it is also important to move towards a future of peace where Israel can exist as a secure state alongside an independent and viable Palestinian state. We are not at that point yet, but a ceasefire is very important in the short term."

Caspar Veldkamp noted that both sides are needed for a ceasefire, indicating that Turkey is also engaging with some Palestinian groups and is working to extend the ceasefire.

The Dutch Foreign Minister Veldkamp conveyed that Arab countries, led by Egypt, have put forward a plan for the future, development, and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, stating, "We do not need (U.S.) President Trump's statements. We need viable, livable, fair, and honest plans for the Palestinians."

Veldkamp noted that his country and the European Union (EU) countries see Egypt's plan as a solid foundation for ongoing discussions, expressing their desire to discuss this plan and move forward with a two-state solution.

"THERE SHOULD BE AN INCLUSIVE TRANSITION IN SYRIA"

Recalling that there are many different identities in Syria, such as Sunni, Alawite, Christian, Kurdish, and Druze, Veldkamp stated, "It is very important to have an inclusive transition that brings everyone together because otherwise, the country could really fall back into a spiral of violence."

Veldkamp expressed his concern about the conflicts that occurred in Syria last week, highlighting the importance of the agreement that envisions the integration of the country's northeastern region and the consensus reached with the Druze community.

Recalling that as EU countries, they have lifted some sanctions to help the country's development in banking, energy, and transportation, Veldkamp stated that they could continue to lift such sanctions as Syria continues to develop in the right direction.

Minister Veldkamp expressed that inclusivity is not just a goal but also the best way for Syria to achieve stability and economic prosperity.

"AS WE MOVE TOWARDS A CEASEFIRE, WAR IS ESCALATING"

Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's approaches to the Russia-Ukraine War, Israel's attacks on Gaza, and the ceasefire, Veldkamp stated, "Unfortunately, you always see the escalation of war as you move towards some kind of ceasefire. Therefore, I believe this is happening regardless of Trump's and the new government's stance. What is important in this war in Ukraine is that it should end this year, but we believe it is important to see who the aggressor is and who the victim is in this war."

The Dutch Foreign Minister Veldkamp stated that they want to continue supporting Ukraine, recalling that last week they announced an additional aid package of 3.5 billion euros for Ukraine in various areas, including military assistance.

"SANCTIONS PRESSURE ON RUSSIA MUST CONTINUE"

While negotiations are ongoing, Veldkamp emphasized the importance of Ukraine standing with complete confidence not "with a knife at its throat," but in the battlefield and economic security, stating that the pressure of sanctions on Russia must continue.

Minister Veldkamp explained that the EU foreign ministers recently approved the 16th package of sanctions against Russia and are working on the next package.

Noting that Trump stated sanctions must continue to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table, Veldkamp expressed hope that the ongoing negotiations would yield a positive outcome.

Foreign Minister Veldkamp pointed out that the development of these negotiations and their outcome is crucial for the future of European security, stating that countries like the Netherlands and Turkey would also be affected by this.

"TURKEY IS A VERY IMPORTANT COUNTRY"

Veldkamp mentioned that they always have open, honest, and mutually respectful exchanges with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, stating that they come together within the framework of international meetings, phone calls, and mutual visits.

Dutch Minister Veldkamp emphasized the importance of this, noting that Turkey is a very important country and pointing to Turkey's significant role in the context of the Russia-Ukraine War.

Expressing hope that Turkey would continue to play this important role, Veldkamp stated, "In the Russia-Ukraine War, as we have seen in Syria, it plays an important role in the Middle East. It is important for us to work together and see how this progresses."