ANKARA, Jan 21 (Asia Free Press): Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, the European Union (EU) envoy to Turkey said, the economic relations between Turkey and the EU, the largest trading partner of Turkey, are a very important cornerstone and a foundation in bilateral ties, local media reported.
Speaking to a group of reporters from the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Turkey in Ankara, envoy Meyer hailed economic ties with Ankara as he expressed hope to continue to have “a conducive environment” to maintain cooperation with aims to expand on it, AA reported.
Citing the initial records for last year, Meyer-Landrut said Turkey’s exports to the EU have surpassed €70 billion ($79 billion), making the country the bloc’s “largest trading partner.”
Bilateral trade in the last 25 years has more than quadrupled, the head of the EU Delegation to Turkey said, noting that “high-level dialogues” on a range of issues are to continue in the year to come to boost further economy indicators.
On the issue of updating the Customs Union between Turkey and the EU, Ambassador Meyer-Landrut said: “We all agree that the Customs Union and its potential modernization has an important potential for the EU-Turkey economic and trade relations.”
Technical talks on the issue of the Customs Union are ongoing, EU envoy further said, while adding that Turkey and the bloc are “now working on the elements of a positive agenda,” including “a number of things which were possible, on which engagement is increasing, where cooperation is growing,” the envoy added.
On bilateral relations between Turkey and the EU, Meyer-Landrut recalled the EU and European Council’s “strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the eastern Mediterranean and the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey.”
The envoy also quoted, “the resumption of political high-level meetings,” as well as “high-level dialogues on climate migration, security and public health” during the past year.
Meyer-Landrut also said, the EU recognizes and supports “the diplomatic efforts of Turkey as an important NATO ally.”
“The outreach Turkish government has been undertaking, particularly also to Arab countries over the last month helps and contributes to a more constructive environment in what we think should call our common geography,” Meyer-Landrut added.
