Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat stated that his sincere wishes to improve the economic relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU) and to eliminate the problems in the Customs Union were responded to by the EU officials and said, “The pleasing thing is that there is a very positive atmosphere in the European Union regarding relations with Turkey. ” said.
Minister Bolat made evaluations regarding his Brussels contacts to the AA correspondent.
Pointing out that the government adopted a policy of improving relations with all partners and world countries in foreign policy and foreign economic relations after its establishment at the beginning of June, Bolat said, “In this manner, immediately after the elections, the European Union countries with which we have a partnership agreement for 60 years and with which we have an important Customs Union, and “The process of mutually positive dialogue and positive atmosphere with EU officials had begun.” he said.
Reminding that he had various contacts with EU officials recently, that he met with EU Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis at the G20 meeting in India, and with EU Commission Neighborhood and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi during his visit to Ankara, Bolat said that he met with Dombrovskis, Varhelyi and Paolo Gentiloni, the EU Commission member responsible for the economy. He explained that he held separate meetings in Brussels.
“In the picture we see, our sincere desire to advance and deepen the economic relations between Turkey and the EU, to eliminate some problems arising in the Customs Union and to initiate the Turkey-EU dialogue and deeper relations, was also responded to by the EU officials.” Minister Bolat said, “What is very pleasing is that there is a very positive atmosphere in the European Union regarding relations with Turkey.” he said.
Positive weather continues
Stating that he was happy to see the continuation of the positive atmosphere in the meetings held with the Commission officials during the summer period during his Brussels contacts, Bolat stated that they observed the desire to overcome the problems that arose regarding the Customs Union update one by one.
Bolat pointed out that the EU Commission enlargement report will be published in November and that the Turkey part of this report is important and said, “The information we received is that a positive development will be written in this report in terms of Turkey’s foreign policy, foreign economic relations and relations with the EU in the new period. Turkey” “It is understood that positive recommendations will be made to overcome some difficulties arising from the Customs Union and relations with the EU.” made his assessment.
Stating that EU member state leaders will hold a summit in Brussels in mid-December, Bolat noted that the leaders will make decisions on how to improve relations with Turkey according to the road map to be prepared by the Commission.
Bolat emphasized that they conveyed their opinions and requests for solutions to the EU authorities regarding the problems faced by the business world between Turkey and EU countries regarding visas, transportation quotas and customs procedures.
Stating that EU officials took note of these issues and problems, Minister Bolat said, “We have a very positive impression that Turkey’s justified demands on these issues should be resolved.” said.
Technical studies have started
Pointing out that concrete technical work has begun, Bolat stated that meetings were held between officials and delegations in Istanbul last week.
Bolat said, “We are on the right track. We will proceed step by step. As we develop deeper and more advanced relations in economy and trade, we will also strive to resolve political disputes and problems.” made his assessment.
Stating that there was a recession in the EU and a decrease in demand, but mutual trade was balanced for the first 9 months, Bolat said, “Last year, our total trade with EU countries was 196 billion dollars and we had a foreign trade surplus of 10 billion dollars. This “Since the year has not yet completed 12 months, we do not know whether the balance will be open or surplus. But roughly, our foreign trade is balanced, I can happily say that.” he said.
Stating that there is a slight decline in world trade and stagnation in production this year, Bolat said, “If we can match last year’s figure, I think it will be successful. But the important thing is to resolve the disputes and advance the processes for the next period.” he said.
Within the scope of his contacts, Minister Bolat held meetings with high-level EU officials, attended Bruegel and European Policy Center (EPC) events, one of the most important think tanks in Brussels, and met with representatives of the business world and non-governmental organizations.
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