Hakan Fidan to Attend EU Meeting Amid Hopes for Improved Turkey-EU Ties

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to attend a meeting with European Union ministers in Brussels, aiming to mend strained relations and discuss Turkey's EU accession, visa liberalisation, and other significant regional matters. The event is seen as a crucial opportunity for renewed dialogue and cooperation between Turkey and the EU.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will join European Union ministers in Brussels next week, aiming to enhance Ankara's strained relations with the EU, according to a spokesperson from the ministry on Thursday. Turkey's EU accession bid has been on hold, primarily due to human rights concerns and regional policy differences.

Relations saw a significant improvement since 2021 after being tumultuous during 2019 tensions between Greece and Turkey. The spokesperson, Oncu Keceli, described the invitation to the meeting on Aug. 29 as an EU acknowledgment of the need for improved ties. The Turkish Foreign Ministry sees it as a step toward overcoming the stalemate from several years ago.

Keceli emphasized the importance of continuous and systematic cooperation, urging the EU to take concrete steps on Turkey's accession, visa liberalization, and deepened dialogue. The EU's positive approach is hoped to extend beyond this meeting, aiming for sustainable and predictable relations. Turkey also anticipates progress under Hungary's EU presidency.

(With inputs from agencies.)