Germany stresses importance of Turkish-EU relations

By Cuneyt Karadag

BERLIN (AA) – Germany on Thursday stressed the importance of Turkish-EU relations in the face of current geopolitical challenges.

In her remarks before a meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Brussels, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock argued that it is time to think strategically in relations with Türkiye.

“Obviously, urgent reforms are needed in Türkiye. But it's also clear that the EU should work with Türkiye, a key regional partner,” she remarked.

Baerbock added that Türkiye is a strategically important actor and a neighbor of the union.

About Türkiye’s accession to the union, she maintained the relevant process is frozen.

Baerbock argued that Türkiye didn't fulfill its obligations in the domains of the rule of law and human rights.

However, she said: “We should look at how we can maintain the dialogue and closer cooperation with Türkiye.”