Erdoğan: We Aim To Advance EU Cooperation On Mutual Benefit And Respect Basis

Speaking at a joint press conference in Ankara following talks with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Erdoğan said he was pleased to host the Polish delegation in Turkey.

He noted that the two countries, drawing strength from more than six centuries of shared history, continue to develop cooperation as two allied and strategic partners across a wide range of fields.

Erdoğan said the discussions covered trade, investment, defence industry, energy and human relations, adding that the two countries have set a new trade target of 15 billion dollars after reaching 10 billion dollars.

He also highlighted the role of Turkish construction firms in Poland, noting that they have undertaken projects worth nearly 9 billion dollars, and expressed hope for further expansion of cooperation in this area.

Referring to transport as another key field of potential cooperation, Erdoğan said the Three Seas Initiative, of which Turkey is a strategic partner with Poland’s support, provides an important platform.

He also underlined defence industry cooperation between the two NATO allies, recalling past joint projects including drones and other defence systems.

Erdoğan said Turkey and Poland, as two key NATO allies with a crucial role in European security architecture, are working to strengthen this cooperation further.

He added that education, culture, science and tourism are also important areas that will strengthen bilateral ties.

Touching on Turkey–EU relations, Erdoğan reiterated that Turkey is willing to advance cooperation with the European Union on a basis of mutual benefit and respect, thanking Poland for its support for Turkey’s EU membership process and expressing hope that this support will continue.

He said they also discussed NATO-related developments, adding that preparations for the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara on 7–8 July were reviewed, with a focus on strengthening the alliance’s European pillar and deterrence capacity.

Erdoğan also said regional issues including the Russia–Ukraine war and developments linked to Iran were discussed, stressing the need for peace in both regions.

He further underlined that the most urgent issue in the region remains achieving lasting peace in Palestine and the Middle East, and said Turkey expects Poland to continue supporting a two-state solution, noting that Poland is among the countries that recognise the State of Palestine.