Türkiye's full inclusion in EU defense efforts vital for Europe's peace, security: President Erdogan

By Muhammed Enes Calli and Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) — Türkiye's full inclusion in EU defense efforts is "essential for Europe's peace and security, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.

In his address at the fifth European Political Community (EPC) summit in Hungary's capital Budapest, Erdogan said:

"There is no reasonable justification for blocking the EU accession process of a candidate country like Türkiye, which has long made significant contributions to the prosperity and security of Europe."

"The negative consequences of the war in Ukraine are deepening with each passing day. The prolongation of the war is leaving less and less room for diplomacy," he added.

The Turkish president said he conveyed Ankara's "messages to open space for diplomacy" in separate meetings with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in recent weeks.

European leaders are attending the fifth EPC summit to discuss global issues, including Ukraine and the Middle East.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is hosting the meeting, where attendees are also discussing irregular migration and issues related to Europe’s economic security.

The EPC was founded in 2022.