Turkey stresses diplomatic dialogue with EU, US

By
Waqas M Dogar
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316

Ankara, 18 November 2021 (TDI): Turkish President Erdogan has stressed the need regarding European Union (EU) diplomatic dialogue with Turkey. Turkish Premier gave remarks during the meeting with the Spanish counterpart, yesterday, in Ankara. Turkey has been emphasizing its role in East-West relations. The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is on a visit to Turkey.

Erdogan stresses EU to take ‘concrete steps’

The Spanish Prime Minister announced that Madrid supports Ankara’s bid for EU membership. He further stated that both countries enjoy ‘extraordinary’ relations. ‘We want Turkey to be part of the EU. Turkey isn’t just a neighbor; it is also an ally for the EU,’ Sanchez said.

Erdogan laid emphasis on the fact that Turkey’s candidature status began in 1999 with accession talks in 2005. He urged the European Union to take ‘concrete steps‘ to develop ties with Turkey.

‘Comprehensive partnership’ to elevate Spanish-Turkish ties

The meeting between leaders of both countries was held as part of the Seventh inter-governmental ‘Spain-Turkey’ summit. Both two countries signed six agreements at the Presidential Complex which also covered energy, sports, and disaster response. ‘There is so much we can do in the defense industry,’ the Turkish President said. The Defense cooperation also includes aircraft carriers and submarines. The two countries have witnessed a rise in bilateral trade and cooperation since the inaugural summit in 2009.

The US affirms Turkey’s militarisation needs: Pentagon

The Pentagon hosted the US-Turkey Defense meeting yesterday regarding highly prioritized transnational issues. Turkey, previously, protested against the US actions in defense deals. The F-35 fighter planes to be supplied by the US to Turkey earlier had also been deferred. In response, Ankara warned that it will consider alternatives other than the US for defense deals.