16.05.2025 15:50
President Erdoğan attended the 6th Summit of the European Political Community held in Tirana. Erdoğan stated, "It is essential to reconsider visa practices like Schengen that restrict the mobility of our people and, consequently, the movement of goods, services, and capital." On the other hand, Erdoğan noted that a significant window of opportunity has been opened with the historic Russia-Ukraine negotiations taking place in Turkey.
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President Erdoğan, who attended the 6th Summit of the European Political Community held in Tirana, the capital of Albania, made striking statements.
Starting his speech here by stating that they came together to discuss a new vision that will redefine the continent, President Erdoğan emphasized that acting in unity, on the basis of cooperation, and in the spirit of common action is more important than ever. Noting that there is a need for the establishment of a fair and inclusive global governance architecture to overcome the crisis of trust in the international arena, Erdoğan said, "We must initiate this transformation, which will be built on the principles of the indivisibility of security and a more equitable distribution of prosperity, primarily in our own home as the European continent. There are many areas where we have tremendous cooperation potential, such as defense industry, energy, transportation corridors and connectivity, supply and logistics chains, digital markets, and critical minerals." he stated.
STRIKING STATEMENTS FROM ERDOĞAN
In this critical period where they are consulting on the future of European security, Erdoğan stated that the efforts of the European Union to develop its own defense industry are beneficial, saying, "We believe that these efforts should also include non-member allies in a way that does not undermine NATO's central role. We believe that initiatives like Riarm and Seyf will be beneficial for European security if conducted with this understanding. History has shown us through many wars and conflicts in Europe that we weaken as we divide on issues as vital as defense and security, and we strengthen as we unite." he said.
President Erdoğan continued: "While thinking about our common future, we undoubtedly need to discuss steps that will secure our economic security. Turkey is critically important with its $1.3 trillion economic size, a young and dynamic population of over 85 million, a competitive industry, and direct access to large consumer markets. We believe that updating our Customs Union with the European Union will contribute to the security of supply chains. We also believe that this step will open up opportunities for joint production and investment in critical sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and defense industry. It is essential to review visa practices like Schengen that restrict the mobility of our people and thus goods, services, and capital.
"TURKEY IS AN IMPORTANT ACTOR IN EUROPE"
With our investments in recent years and agreements in the natural gas sector, we are gradually approaching our goal of making our country an important energy hub for the regional geography. As the country with the most developed energy infrastructure in the region, Turkey is an important actor in Europe during the energy transition process. Our steps in renewable energy offer opportunities not only for our country but for the entire region. Positioned at the center of multi-modal transportation routes, Turkey significantly contributes to the preservation of Europe's uninterrupted supply chains.
"THERE WILL BE NO LOSERS IN A JUST PEACE"
We are at a critical juncture for the cessation of arms in Ukraine and the establishment of a peace ground. Just as in the past, we are contributing to every effort aimed at a solution, with a comprehensive ceasefire being a priority. It is very important to encourage the parties without imposing a demand, given the sensitivity of the process, to achieve a just and lasting peace. I have had separate meetings with Mr. Trump, Mr. Putin, and Mr. Zelensky. Mr. Macron and Ms. Meloni called me. Mr. Zelensky was in Ankara yesterday. After our meeting, we decided to start technical talks.
For the first time since March 2022, an important window of opportunity has opened to stop the bloodshed. Indeed, discussions are currently ongoing in Istanbul under the leadership of my Foreign Minister between Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey. I believe this should not be wasted. At this stage, we rely on the support of all our partners here to keep the dialogue channels open between Ukraine and Russia for the rapid establishment of peace. As I have always expressed, there will be no losers in a just peace. Turkey will continue to do its part in this process.
"AN UNPRECEDENTED HUMANITARIAN DISASTER IS OCCURRING IN GAZA"
Dear Heads of State and Government, an unprecedented humanitarian disaster has been occurring in Gaza for 20 months. Every day, mostly children and women, dozens of innocents are being killed. We must say stop to this, we must say enough. Netanyahu's uncompromising, aggressive, and arrogant attitude puts not only Gaza but also our entire region and the people of different faiths living here in danger. We expect Europe to show the necessary enthusiasm and interest for the establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza. The international community's inaction in the face of more than 2 million people being condemned to starvation in Gaza is incompatible with any moral criteria or human dignity. In addition to a permanent ceasefire, we must mobilize all our resources to ensure humanitarian aid shipments and to make Gaza livable again. Our main goal should be to implement the two-state solution, which will constitute the only sustainable solution.
"A HOPEFUL PAGE HAS BEEN TURNED IN SYRIA"
A new and hopeful page has been turned with the end of the conflicts that have lasted for about 14 years in Syria. The announcement by President Trump that he will lift sanctions on Syria is a very valuable step taken for Syria to achieve prosperity as soon as possible. With this decision, Mr. Trump has once again shown the importance he attaches to regional stability and development. We hope that this decision will serve as an example to other countries. We expect the European Union to urgently lift the sanctions imposed on the former regime and to provide financial support for reconstruction activities. Of course, this support will also accelerate the voluntary, dignified, and safe return of Syrians outside the country.
The current environment of increasing uncertainties forces us to unite around common solutions. I sincerely believe that when we ensure solidarity, make good use of our resources, and foster genuine cooperation, there will be no threat or challenge that we cannot overcome as a continent. With these thoughts, I wish our meeting brings blessings for a secure, prosperous, and stable Europe.
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