Turkey-EU ties should be seen through strategic mindset: Presidential spokesperson
BRUSSELS- Anadolu Agency
Turkey’s presidential spokesperson said EU membership is a strategic priority for Ankara and that the bloc's leaders should see Turkey-EU relations strategically.
The EU leaders should leave all ideological and political biases aside and see Turkey-EU ties through a “strategic mindset”, İbrahim Kalın told EU officials in Brussels.
Kalın visited Brussels on Friday prior to the EU summit on Dec. 10-11.
During the visit, he separately met Maryem Van den Heuvel - the chief foreign policy advisor to the EU Council President Charles Michel - Bjoern Seibert, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and Helga Schmid - the secretary-general of the EU’s external action service.
Among the topics of discussion were Turkey-EU relations, situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, Libya, Syria, and Karabakh.
The strategic importance of the Turkey-EU relations is increasing, and there is a need for “new and concrete” steps to bring a new dynamism, to boost cooperation and to strengthen the relations of mutual trust, Kalın added.
He also underlined the need for new ideas for a fair and permanent solution of the Cyprus issue, and said Turkey is ready to start exploratory talks with Greece.
He added Turkey will continue its constructive approach to protect peace and stability in the region.
Kalın said the bloc should carry out its responsibilities in regional issues and that dialogue and cooperation for the solution of regional issues are for all sides’ favor.
He stressed the bilateral disputes should not tire and take hostage the Turkey-EU relations, and reiterated the importance moving towards positive agenda in EU-Turkey relations that have increasing strategic importance.
Turkey to continue exploration in E.Med until Nov 29
Meanwhile, Turkey has issued another navigational telex, or Navtex, for the area in the Eastern Mediterranean where it will conduct seismic research activities until Nov. 29.
According to the announcement, the mission, which will be carried out by the Oruç Reis seismic research vessel, will continue for 9 days starting on Nov. 21.
A Navtex is a maritime communications system that allows ships to inform other vessels about their presence in an area as well as other information.
The Oruç Reis will carry out seismic studies in the Eastern Mediterranean together with two other vessels, the Ataman and Cengiz Han.
It will conduct various geological, geophysical, hydrographic and oceanographic surveys, especially of the continental shelf, while also searching for natural resources.