Turkish president urges Europe to boost defense cooperation amid changing security conditions

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said Europe’s evolving security landscape demands resolving defense supply challenges and strengthening cooperation via joint projects in a joint news conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the capital Ankara.

Erdogan said Ankara could make rapid progress toward full EU membership if the bloc recognizes the country’s shown determination.

If Türkiye is assessed by Copenhagen Criteria, Ankara has its own "Ankara Criteria," which guide its engagement with Europe and world, he added.

During the meeting with Merz, Erdogan said he underlined the importance Türkiye attaches to "combating rising racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia in Europe."

Erdogan also said he reaffirmed that the Turkish community in Germany is "our shared value and richness."

On Syria, Erdogan said: "We recognize the importance Germany places on working in close coordination with us on Syria."

Noting the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and diplomatic efforts to end it, Erdogan said that Türkiye has regarded continued diplomatic efforts as important for fair and lasting resolution of the conflict.