European Union leaders have called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to build on the “renewed momentum” towards a solution to the Cyprus problem through the UN-led process.
The Cyprus issue featured prominently in a joint statement by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following a dinner with Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday evening, on the sidelines of the Nato summit.
The two EU leaders stressed the need to use the renewed momentum to advance efforts towards a solution through the process led by the United Nations.
EU and Turkey described as strategic partners
In their joint statement, Costa and von der Leyen thanked Erdogan for the warm welcome in Ankara and reaffirmed the importance of relations between Brussels and Ankara.
“The European Union and Türkiye are strategic partners and we are committed to strengthening our relationship,” they said.
“In an increasingly challenging world, our partnership is more important than ever.”
The EU leaders also highlighted Turkey’s role in addressing crises in the Middle East and supporting efforts towards peace in Ukraine.
“Türkiye has been an important partner in addressing the crises in the Middle East and supporting efforts for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” they added.
Concluding their statement with a reference to the Cyprus issue, Costa and von der Leyen called for renewed efforts to advance a solution to the Cyprus problem. Von der Leyen said “We must also seize the renewed momentum to advance a Cyprus settlement through the UN-led process.”
Senior officials attend Ankara meeting
The meeting was also attended by Costa’s chief foreign policy adviser, Anna-Maria Boura, and von der Leyen’s head of cabinet, Björn Seibert.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Trade Minister Ömer Bolat attended on behalf of Turkey.
As with all leaders participating in the Nato summit, Costa and von der Leyen received a revolver from host Erdogan, along with live ammunition and the relevant export documentation.
Each weapon was engraved with the name of its recipient, in line with the practice of presenting gifts linked to defence during such summits.
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