UPDATE - Boosting contacts necessary for Türkiye‘s EU membership: Turkish president

ADDS REMARKS FROM EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT

By Diyar Guldogan and Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA/ATHENS (AA) - The European Union and Türkiye must boost contacts at all levels with a concrete and positive agenda for Türkiye’s full EU membership, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the European Council’s president on Wednesday.

In a phone call with Charles Michel, Erdogan underlined Ankara's "great" strategic value to Europe, according to a statement released by Türkiye's Communications Directorate.

Erdogan emphasized the importance of cooperation in updating the Customs Union between the two sides as well as on visa liberalization, immigration management and fighting terrorism.

He also said that fair treatment of Türkiye and support for its full EU membership would open new horizons in relations.

For his part, Michel congratulated Erdogan on his reelection as president last month.

In a post on Twitter, he confirmed the EU’s interest in the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship with Türkiye.

Michel also underlined the importance of frank and open dialogue on prospects for economic ties as well as mobility and security cooperation.

He reiterated that Türkiye’s role in the Black Sea grain initiative is appreciated.

Türkiye applied for EU membership in 1987 and has been a candidate country since 1999.

Negotiations for full membership started in October 2005 but have stalled in recent years due to political hurdles erected by some countries.