Visit to Türkiye by the EU High Representative and Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas
HR/VP Kallas held discussions with the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM), Numan Kurtulmuş and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
European Union, 2025
HR/VP Kaja Kallas visited Speaker of Parliament Numan Kurtulmuş at the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye
Prior to her visit, in an interview with Anadolu Agency, HR/VP Kallas stated: "We want to see that the government in Syria is inclusive. We don't want to see any radicalisation. It is in everybody's interest that the country is stable. So, we are cautiously optimistic. We are ready to discuss sanctions relief, but we will do it in a ‘step by step’ approach.
At the joint press conference with Minister Hakan Fidan, HR/VP Kaja Kallas recalled extensive cooperation opportunities between the EU and Türkiye across various sectors, noting that the foundations of economic partnership are stronger than ever. Addressing developments in Syria, HR/VP Kallas stated: "We want to support Syrians’ economic recovery, and the EU is ready to ease sanctions on Syria – contingent on the new government’s actions…The path to Syria’s future also runs through Türkiye, which is helping a large number of refugees. It is clear that refugees can return to Syria when the country is stable."
European Union, 2025
HR/VP Kallas expressing her condolences to families and to the Turkish nation over the tragic hotel fire in Bolu Kartalkaya
On the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, HR/VP Kallas remarked: "Israelis and Palestinians deserve peace in the long term. We urge both sides to implement this agreement. The EU is also ramping up its humanitarian aid and is committed to long-term reconstruction and development."
HR/VP Kallas also touched upon the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, noting that it is approaching its fourth year. She stated: "Our priority now is to strengthen Ukraine’s position, because there are no signs that Putin wants peace. The EU provided over €134 billion to Ukraine, making us Kyiv’s largest backer."
You can find the entire press conference at the link below:
