Turkey is working to turn new chapters in its relations with the EU, the country’s foreign minister said Friday.
“In 2020, because of some of the problems that we experienced with some member countries, there have been occasional tensions in our relations with the EU, which is not a situation that we wish,” Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a press conference with his Spanish counterpart Arancha Gonzalez Laya in the Spanish capital Madrid.
“But, with the approach of Spain and some other countries, rather than tension, dialogue has been opted for, and the most recent summit prepared the groundwork for this,” he added.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen will hold a video conference on Saturday, added Cavusoglu.
The top diplomat will also visit Brussels to hold talks with the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Jan. 21.
Dialogue with Greece, EU
Cavusoglu told reporters that there had been opportunities to initiate dialogue between Turkey and the neighboring Greece.
“We are trying to use those opportunities, as Turkey, without any preconditions. We’re always in favor of dialogue and that’s the only way we can decrease tensions and solve problems,” he underlined.
Cavusoglu also said Turkey and the EU should work together to face the challenges created by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“Turkey is a part of Europe, and for the resolution of the problems that Europe is facing, Turkey is ready to work together, also, to use the richness, and the opportunities that our region offers together.”
“We are also ready for the resolution of issues of, for instance, migration and other issues with fair responsibilities and the sharing of the burden,” he added.
