“Türkiye, which is a part of the continent of Europe geographically, historically and socially, surely is committed to its goal of full EU membership”

Addressing EU countries' ambassadors to Ankara, President Erdoğan said: "Türkiye, which is a part of the continent of Europe geographically, historically and socially, surely is committed to its goal of full EU membership. Despite all the injustices we were subjected to, the EU remains to be our strategic priority."

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with the European Union (EU) countries' ambassadors to Ankara at Çankaya Presidential Palace.

"MANY COUNTRIES CHOSE TO BECOME INTROVERTED DURING THE PANDEMIC"

In his address to ambassadors at the meeting, President Erdoğan stated that partly due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the world had witnessed a period of changing perception of security, increasing struggle of strength and questioning of the order of rules-based relations, and said: "While such values as cooperation, solidarity and sharing were left aside, many countries chose to become introverted and remain indifferent to the humanitarian tragedies that occurred outside its borders during the pandemic considered to be the gravest healthcare crisis of this century."

"EU REMAINS TO BE OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITY"

Underscoring that Türkiye had for over 5 decades been making efforts for EU membership, President Erdoğan noted: "During my nearly 20-year long tenure as Prime Minister and President, I have grasped in detail every aspect of our accession process. During this 20-year period, I have met with countless leaders, presidents, prime ministers, ministers and EU representatives in Europe. I have personally seen and experienced how our steps on the path towards full membership were hindered and our country was subjected to double standards. In light of these experiences, let me sincerely note that Türkiye, which is a part of the continent of Europe geographically, historically and socially, surely is committed to its goal of full EU membership. Despite all the injustices we were subjected to, the EU remains to be our strategic priority. Indeed we continue to endeavor to this end."

Drawing attention to the accelerated efforts under the guidance of the National Action Plan for the EU Accession which covers 2021-2023, President Erdoğan went on to say: "The Judicial Reform Strategy, the Human Rights Action Plan, the 4th National Action Plan on Combatting Violence against Women and the 5 judicial packages we adopted are the most concrete symbols of our commitment to the process. We have ratified the Paris Climate Agreement and announced our net-zero emission goal for 2053. We have put into action our Action Plan on European Green Deal."

"EU SHOULD ACT SINCERELY, FAIRLY AND FAITHFULLY WITH REGARD TO TÜRKIYE'S ACCESSION PROCESS"

Pointing out that Türkiye attached great importance to the financial cooperation and participation in Union programs, which he underlined was one of the most visible aspects of the Türkiye-EU relations, President Erdoğan stated: "With the EU funds of €9.2 billion, allocated to our country in the past 20 years, nearly 900 large-scale projects have been carried out. All of these projects are to our mutual benefit. It is clear that it will serve our shared interests if the EU increases the amount of funds for Türkiye within the scope of Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance in the coming years. In addition to all these, what really should be done is for the EU to act sincerely, fairly and faithfully with regard to Türkiye's accession process. I believe when we achieve to do that, the problems actually impeding our accession process will go away and our country's efforts will bear fruit. The incidents taking place in our near geography indicate how important, even vital it is for us to strengthen our cooperation on foreign policy and security."