EU to keep working with Turkey on Syria

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

The European Union will continue working with Turkey on the Syrian crisis, head of the EU delegation to Turkey said on Nov. 19.

Ambassador Christian Berger visited a health center for migrants located in the Esenyurt neighborhood of Istanbul. Speaking to reporters, he said Turkey and the EU fully agreed on the need to find a political solution to the Syrian conflict.

Berger noted the importance of humanitarian and other support to the migrant community, saying: “It is equally important to find a political solution to the conflict in Syria because we need to address this issue at its roots.”

Berger thanked the Turkish Ministry of Health for providing support to the refugees and for organizing the visit to one of the 178 health centers in Turkey.

“We have been working very closely with the Turkish authorities for the last few years on providing a system, contributing and complementing what Turkey is doing.

“You may notice not only here in Turkey but providing support in Lebanon, Jordan, and other countries,” he added.

Berger and his team will complete their Istanbul stay by visiting educational and social projects on Nov. 21, before heading to the southeastern province of Gaziantep.

Federica Mogherini, EU foreign policy chief, will be in Ankara on Nov. 22 to discuss a political solution to the Syrian crisis.