In a recent phone conversation, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen the critical role of Türkiye-European Union relations amid rising tensions in the region. Highlighting the strategic importance of their partnership, Erdoğan noted the ongoing regional and global developments that were discussed during their dialogue.
The Turkish Communications Directorate reported that the discussion included Türkiye’s efforts to sustain a cease-fire and promote peace in the conflict-affected areas. Erdoğan also pointed out the urgency of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passageway, which has been affected by the prevailing unrest.
Erdoğan criticized Israel’s actions in the region, accusing the country of perpetuating conflict and violating international laws through acts he described as piracy. He urged for heightened international pressure on Israel to address these issues, underscoring the need for a collective global response.
Furthermore, Erdoğan advocated for Türkiye’s involvement in Europe’s security strategy initiatives, suggesting that such inclusion would be mutually beneficial. He also called for an update to the Turkish-EU Customs Union and urged for enhanced cooperation across various sectors to bolster economic integration and further shared interests between Türkiye and the European Union.