Erdoğan: EU remains Turkey’s strategic priority

* Photo: Murat Kula - Ankara / AA

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President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with the European Union (EU) countries' ambassadors at the Çankaya Palace in Ankara yesterday (January 13).

Making a statement after the meeting, Erdoğan said, "Unfortunately, the EU has taken no noteworthy steps in the face of many deep-rooted problems, particularly establishing a joint migration policy, xenophobia and animosity towards Islam." Arguing that "Turkey as a negotiating candidate country has a problem-solving role in such fundamental issues," he stated:

"It has become more important, in this critical turning point, for Turkey and the EU to advance their relations in every area.

"And we, with this understanding, have sought to place our relations with the Union on a firmer foundation.

"I regret to say that we have not gotten the response we expect from the EU to all these steps that we have taken."

'But for Turkey's efforts...'

Noting that "it would be unrealistic to expect the migration pressure to reduce unless the current crises in Europe and Turkey's environ were resolved," Erdoğan said: "The migration crisis would have deepened, casualties would have further increased, terror would have escalated and instability would have expanded to a much broader geography were it not for our efforts."

Speaking further about the issue, Erdoğan briefly stated:

"The migration problem will increasingly continue in such a conjuncture, where the current crises are constantly followed by new ones.

"We, as Turkey, shape our policies in light of these realities, and make our predictions accordingly. On one hand, we increase our aid to the countries that are the sources of irregular migration, and deal with the essential dimensions of the problem, on the other.

"Turkey, with its presence there, has been contributing to the preservation of Syria's territorial integrity, while averting new migration waves.

'We expect fair sharing of burden, responsibility'

"Let me reiterate from here that all our expectation from the EU regarding the migration issue is the fair sharing of burden and responsibility.

"It is out of the question to talk about a profound cooperation in migration unless the migration management aspect of the March 18 Memorandum is updated. Also, it is a must during this period to put an end to pushbacks and practices against migrants, which violate international law.

"We particularly expect Europe to raise its voice in a more conscientious and bolder manner regarding the regrettable incidents in the Aegean, which have been reflected in the press.

'Blocking the process with political motives...'

"As is known, the March 18 Memorandum is also aimed at ensuring concrete progress in Turkey-EU relations as well as cooperation in the area of migration. In the days ahead, we need to make progress particularly about visa liberalization and the updating of the Customs Union.

"We are already taking steps to do our part as regards the remaining criteria under the Visa Liberalization Dialogue.

"Besides visa liberalization, tourism and trade, breaking the prejudices towards Türkiye's full membership will also be beneficial.

"And updating the Customs Union is in our mutual interest. Blocking the process with political motives causes harm to all sides.

'EU is our strategic priority'

"In the light of these experiences, let me sincerely note that Turkey, which is a part of the continent of Europe geographically, historically and socially, surely is committed to its goal of full EU membership.

"Despite all the injustices we were subjected to, the EU remains to be our strategic priority. Indeed, we continue to endeavor to this end." (AS/SD)

* Sources: Anadolu Agency (AA), Presidency