European Union: Turkey is an indispensable partner

Foreign Ministers of European Union member states gathered in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, for an informal meeting.

The meeting, held at the Egmont Palace under the Belgian Presidency, addressed Africa, Gaza, Ukraine, the support provided to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and relations with Turkey.

Following the meeting, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib held a joint press conference.

"UKRAINE'S SECURITY IS IMPORTANT FOR THE SECURITY OF THE REST OF THE CONTINENT"

Stating that they discussed the African continent in terms of its geopolitical characteristics at the meeting, Borrell said they would provide support to assist African partners. Borrell stated that they are determined to cooperate closely with Africa.

Reporting that they are united in providing military aid regarding Ukraine, Borrell said, "Ukraine's security is important not only for itself but also for the security and stability of the rest of the continent. Our decision to support this country will be finalized in the coming days."

EU WILL NOT CUT AID TO UNRWA

Stating that there was a lively discussion on Gaza, Borrell said that EU countries have shown different attitudes regarding the situation in Gaza and the region, but that the humanitarian situation there is catastrophic. Borrell said, "The humanitarian catastrophe here is not based on a natural disaster or an earthquake. On the contrary, it is the result of war. This war has driven thousands of people to the south, but now the south is being bombed. The humanitarian situation on the ground is tragic, but this situation is man-made. Member states welcomed UNRWA's opening of an investigation into some personnel. We are waiting for the investigation to conclude," he said.

Noting that he will meet with the head of the agency, Borrell said, "This issue will be discussed at the Development Council. Let me say one thing clearly. The EU and the European Commission will not cut support payments to this agency. For a few days, there have been news reports saying 'everyone will cut aid.' But Spain did not cut it. France did not cut it. Some countries cut it, but their numbers are small. Some took precautions. But the EU did not cut its payments," he said.

"A VERY IMPORTANT AGENCY THAT DELIVERS AID TO REFUGEES"

Stating that the next payment will be made at the end of the month, Borrell said, "This agency is a very important agency that delivers aid to Palestinian refugees. It feeds 2 million people in many places, not just Gaza, provides 30 thousand health services daily, and education to 400 thousand children. Who can replace this institution? Some countries are deciding to increase aid, let alone cut it. Support for the Palestinian people must continue. We are talking about millions of people. I will meet with the agency head Philippe Lazzarini," he said.

"WE HAVE PUT OUR RELATIONS WITH TURKEY BACK ON THE TABLE"

Stating that EU foreign ministers also discussed the issue of relations with Turkey, Borrell said, "After a long wait, we have put our relations with Turkey back on the table. I believe we should call for closer EU-Turkey relations. We must overcome all kinds of confrontation, revitalize cooperation, turn towards the Turkish side for this, discuss the Cyprus issue, and develop cooperation in the field of foreign policy; in short, we must find a way to improve relations with Turkey. We need to develop areas where we have common interests and reduce issues that divide us."

When asked if there was any development regarding visa liberalization, Borrell said that such details were not discussed, but that Turkey's approach would be decisive on these issues.

"TURKEY IS AN INDISPENSABLE PARTNER"

EU President and host Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib reiterated Belgium's support for a two-state solution regarding Israel and Palestine. Although there are very different views among EU member states regarding Gaza, she said that different views are moving closer to the center and that an agreement must be reached to improve the humanitarian situation. Regarding Ukraine, she said that Europe will continue its support and that importance will be given to European security by focusing on the defense industry in the long term.

Stating that they discussed the issue of Turkey at the meeting, Lahbib said, "Turkey has become an increasingly indispensable partner. It has very important contributions in the Black Sea, the grain deal, and roles such as mediation with Russia. However, we want to hold meetings in the very near future to discuss issues such as the rule of law, democracy, judicial independence, and the Cyprus issue, which is experienced with some EU member states," she said.