Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey's defense industry is prepared to contribute to strengthening the EU's defense sector and enhancing European security, TASS reports.
"We believe it is in our common interest to plan every step toward ensuring European security together with Turkey. In these efforts, it is crucial to maintain strong transatlantic ties and secure robust support from our ally, the United States. Our defense industry, with its advanced technologies, stands ready to contribute to strengthening Europe’s defense sector," Erdogan said during a videoconference with the European Council president and EU partner countries.
"I believe that European defense industry programs within the union should be open to all European allies. It is also important for Turkey to participate in EU programs for the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine," the Turkish leader added.
Erdogan emphasized that "relations between Turkey and the European Union are crucial for Europe's economic security and defense." He stressed that both sides should approach Turkey-EU relations with a long-term strategic perspective.
"We remain firmly committed to our goal of full membership. We expect the EU to adopt a strategic and forward-looking approach so that our membership negotiations can resume as soon as possible," he said.
The Turkish president also emphasized that Ankara sees no justification for Turkey's exclusion from the EU's defense supply mechanisms and reconstruction programs, especially considering the Turkish defense industry's support for Ukraine and the continued presence of the republic's private sector in the country despite the ongoing military conflict.
"It is in our shared interest for the European Union to reconsider its stance. Let us not forget that European security is not solely the concern of EU member states - it is a matter that affects all European allies," he concluded.
