Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great honor and privilege for me to be with such a distinguished audience.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Anna for inviting me to this working breakfast and allow us exchange our views.
First, I would like to share with you what is happening in Türkiye.
Second, I will elaborate on EU - Türkiye relations.
Third, I will give an update about Greece - Türkiye relations.
Then, I would like to evaluate the situation in the Balkans.
Finally, I will touch on the two wars that are going on in our neighborhood.
Türkiye
I will start with Türkiye.
I am well aware of the perception in the international community. However, there are many subjects that is good to keep in mind.
Türkiye is a country in Asia, in Europe and has a close access to Africa.
Türkiye is a country in the Balkans, in the Caucasus, in the Middle East and has a close access to Central Asia.
Türkiye is a Mediterranean country, a Black Sea country and also a country in the Caspian Sea Basin.
Türkiye is a member of Council of Europe, OSCE, NATO as well as Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
We are an accession country for the European Union. We are a strategic partner of the African Union, one of the only 6 standalone countries in the world which has this status.
In terms of number of foreign missions, Türkiye is the third country in the world, after China and US. China has 274, US has 271 and Türkiye has 252 foreign missions around the world.
Few people probably notice, but we have embassies in 44 African countries. In return, 38 African nations have their embassies in Ankara.
Turkish Airlines fly to 59 destinations in Africa alone.
Also, Turkish Airlines hold the world record by flying to 128 countries globally.
Being in the middle of such a diverse geography, puts us in a very peculiar position.
If managed well, this provides huge opportunities not just for Türkiye but also for countries which we cooperate with.
Türkiye - EU
Among all these regions, Türkiye’s most integrated relationship set is with Europe.
Europe is Türkiye’s largest trading, investment, tourism and culture partner.
Through Council of Europe, Türkiye is integrated to the European Convention on Human Rights and European Court of Human Rights system.
Through OSCE, Türkiye is part of Europe’s security perspective.
Through NATO, Türkiye is within the world’s most important security alliance together with many of the European nations.
Through OECD, Türkiye is in the club of high standards together with many of the European countries.
After meeting the Copenhagen political criteria sufficiently in 2003 and 2004, Türkiye’s EU negotiations for full membership started in 2005. I happen to be Türkiye’s first EU chief negotiator.
Between 2003 and 2006, we have demonstrated that we can implement EU required reforms at a very high speed. These reforms helped Türkiye to upgrade its system and provided higher living standards for our citizens.
However, the process lost its momentum mostly due to political reasons.
We started to face blockades from several countries, including France. Then we started to feel that even if we do what is required, membership will not be approved by some member states.
Over the past five years, after the presidential system was instated in Türkiye, the power to rule has been centralized. This affected checks and balances, as well as independent institutions.
There is now more criticism about human rights, freedoms, rule of law and democratic mechanisms.
2023 and 2024 were election years for us.
Last year’s general elections resulted with a narrow win of President Erdoğan. This year’s local elections, on the other hand, resulted with a clear win of the opposition.
Both of these elections demonstrated that, although there are issues with our democratic practices, Turkish citizens still have their conviction for the ballot box.
The elections confirmed the fact that the fate of our country is still in the hands of the citizens and that they can still change things with their power to vote.
There is a relentless will among our citizens for a strong democratic system.
And we are working very hard to achieve it.
At the end of the day, I strongly believe that, Türkiye can be ready for EU membership one day.
The question is; will the EU be ever ready for Türkiye?
As an additional point; over the last five years, we did not only have problems with our democracy, but also with our economy.
As a result of wrong economic teams and wrong policy choices, macroeconomic balances took a big damage, resulting in high inflation, high interest rates and worsening of income distribution.
The new economic team is doing their best to fix the problems. Measures have been taken on the fiscal policy and monetary policy side. However, there is a desperate need for structural reforms.
Türkiye - Greece
Now, third subject; Türkiye Greece relations:
I am happily following the efforts on both sides for better relations.
From time to time, both countries were lost in domestic politics. However, right now, there is a very valuable and long opportunity window open, because of the fact that elections are behind us in both countries.
It is no secret that there are many long standing issues between Türkiye and Greece about the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean at large. We also have a 60 year old Cyprus issue, which is always affecting our bilateral relations, as well as Türkiye’s EU accession process.
However, contrary to many examples in our neighborhood, we are always able to talk directly and we do not need third party involvement.
Even in the most difficult times, our diplomats proved to have excellent communication based on mutual respect. This will always be an important asset moving forward.
Let’s never forget. We are allies within NATO.
We also have a full positive agenda. Potentials are even bigger. Our people care for each other. We are each other’s first responders in times of need.
The problems have no quick fixes. They are technically, legally complex and have a long history.
Naturally we have to continue working on them with patience, but simultaneously, we should also proceed with the positive agenda leading to win win outcomes. Economy, trade, investments, tourism, climate change and disaster cooperation are potential rewarding areas.
We need to have a 15 to 20 year perspective, concentrating on the process. Connectivity will always be the key.
Our positive agenda will not only create mutual benefits, but also will improve the political climate which will ultimately help reaching solutions on the problematic issues.
A good Greek – Türkiye relationship can also be built through local governments, universities, think tanks, businesses, civil society, producing benefits for the two countries.
Türkiye and Greece, with good cooperation in between, could provide huge benefits for the Balkans at large.
After President Erdoğan’s visit to Athens last December, Prime Minister Mitsotakis visited Ankara last Monday.
So far, 5 High Level Cooperation Council meetings have been held.
In March, a new Joint economic commission was formed between Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board and Greek Association of Trade Chambers.
The target is now increasing the annual trade volume from 6 billion dollars to 10 billion dollars.
There is a new Agreement on Cooperation on Earthquake and Urgent cases such as wildfires.
Global warming and climate change is a common enemy that will affect both of the countries.
There is also now a new Agreement on Cooperation on Healthcare and Medical Sciences.
For Turkish citizens visiting 10 Greek islands, there is now a fast visa issuing process at the border.
There is also expectation for better cooperation on fight against terrorism, human trafikking and migration.
Finally, confidence building measures will be key to implement.
Balkans
When we look beyond our bilateral relations, the first subject that we both see is the Balkans.
Balkans is our common neighborhood. We have to follow the developments in the region very closely and do our best to contribute peace and stability.
Enhancing political and economic relations with the Balkan countries and staying engaged is crucial.
In a relatively small geography, Balkan countries represent a huge diversity within and among themselves. There is need for a strong effort to join around common interests, common values and ideals.
The integration of Balkan countries to the Euro Atlantic organizations is the most important agenda for long term political stability and lasting peace. It is also a path leading to common economic prosperity.
Two Wars
Our common region is witnessing two wars now.
The war between Russia and Ukraine and the war between Israel and Palestinians.
Both of these wars have very risky implications for a wider region. This is very worrying.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine is unacceptable. It is against international law. No country can simply try to occupy a neighbor.
Türkiye has the advantage of being able to talk with Russia, as well as with Ukraine. When it is about relations with Russia, we believe that “staying engaged under any circumstances” is the best strategy to go with.
It was mostly Turkish diplomats heading the OSCE mission and the Minsk efforts between Russia and Ukraine for many years. Our diplomats were trusted by both sides.
The special role of Türkiye could be very valuable, when it is time for ceasefire and finally it is time for peace.
Looking at the core of the second war, Gaza, Israeli government is violating international law, committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. This cannot be tolerated.
In line with what should be expected, the international community has been standing firm in solidarity with Ukraine, condemning Russia’s aggression and violation of international law. But when it was about Israeli government’s attacks on Palestinians, there was an obvious double standard approach. This is very worrying.
The West was at the forefront in the development of “rule based international system”. This provided a moral high ground, which was the most valuable asset of the West in geopolitical affairs.
It is astonishing to see that once applauded westerns values; human rights, freedoms and rule of law are being scrapped, by the very hands of the most of the Western governments themselves.
Lets don’t forget that, for decades Gaza was an open air prison under severe isolation. Israeli government’s disrespect and attacks on the sacred and holy places have always been raising tensions. Despite the international community’s countless warnings, unlawful settlements continued to spread across the West Bank.
Unless the Israeli government stops these reckless policies, violating fundamental human rights continuously, lasting peace will never come.
Before I finalize my words, I would like to refer to the resolution voted at the UN General Assembly on May 10th. This resolution called on the UN security council to bestow full membership to the state of Palestine, while enhancing its current mission with a range of new rights and privileges.
I would like to express our appreciation for Greece’s support to this resolution, joining the 143 countries.
Thank you for your attention.