Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and senior European Union officials agreed on Tuesday to deepen cooperation on security, trade, migration and regional issues, as Ankara and Brussels sought to strengthen ties amid growing geopolitical challenges.

Fidan met in Ankara with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner.

In a joint statement released after the meeting, the sides reaffirmed the strategic importance of Türkiye-EU relations, highlighting their role in promoting regional stability and economic resilience amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.

The discussions covered a broad range of issues, including trade and economic cooperation, connectivity, migration, security, and foreign policy challenges. Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in these areas.

The officials also exchanged views on key international developments, including the wars and crises affecting Ukraine, Russia, the Middle East, Africa and the South Caucasus. They pledged closer consultation and coordination in addressing regional and global challenges while reaffirming their support for a rules-based international order.

Türkiye and the European Union reiterated their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and their commitment to a just and lasting peace based on international law. The EU side also emphasized the importance of preventing the circumvention of sanctions imposed on Russia.

On the South Caucasus, the two sides agreed to coordinate efforts aimed at enhancing regional peace, connectivity, trade and economic cooperation, with a view to supporting stability and prosperity across the region.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening dialogue on security and defence issues in complementarity with NATO. Officials stressed the need for closer cooperation in addressing common security concerns.

Economic issues featured prominently in the discussions. Both sides reaffirmed their willingness to improve the implementation of the existing Customs Union and advance efforts toward its modernization. They also underlined the importance of industrial cooperation and welcomed discussions regarding Türkiye’s potential participation in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).

Migration remained another key topic. The participants reviewed progress in the Visa Liberalization Dialogue and discussed visa procedures affecting Turkish citizens. They also pledged to enhance cooperation on border management and efforts to combat migrant smuggling amid ongoing migration pressures.

The two sides further emphasized cooperation in trade, energy, transport and digitalization, welcoming the gradual resumption of activities by the European Investment Bank in Türkiye.

Officials agreed to continue high-level engagement and plan additional dialogue meetings before the end of the year covering economy, trade, migration, security, health, science, innovation and agriculture. (ILKHA)