Minister for EU Affairs Ömer Çelik held a press conference in Brussels

Following his visits in Brussels, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Ömer Çelik held a press conference in the Turkish Permanent Delegation to the EU.

Minister for EU Affairs Ömer Çelik noted that he had spoken with Timmermans and Mogherini regarding fight against terrorism and the stance of Türkiye on Operation Olive Branch. Minister Çelik also said that Türkiye-EU relations had been fully assessed.

Minister for EU Affairs Ömer Çelik said: “Our expectation from our friends and allies is support for Türkiye’s initiative on Afrin, which is legitimate with respect to international law in the context of the fight against terrorism.

Minister Çelik, who noted that Türkiye as a NATO member and an EU candidate country represented European borders, emphasized that aggression by terrorist organisations at the border could not be tolerated.

With reference to Türkiye EU relations, Minister for EU Affairs Ömer Çelik said that he had told his counterparts that the EU should not discriminate between the perspectives on Türkiye and the Balkans.

Minister  Ömer Çelik, who pointed out that the rapprochement between Türkiye and the EU would have positive results for the resolution of many crises, said that he had told his counterparts during his Brussels visits that the EU-Türkiye summit needs to be held as soon as possible. Minister Çelik said that it was highly likely that it would be in March.

In response to a question regarding the steps to be taken in Ankara regarding visa exemption, Minister for EU Affairs Ömer Çelik said: “We are in the final stage. I believe that we will conclude the final stage and convey the results to the EU.”