Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Presidential Complex during her official visit to Türkiye.

The leaders held a joint press conference where they discussed various topics, including Syria and EU-Türkiye relations.

"We saw that we agreed on establishing a participatory administration, primarily for preserving Syria's territorial integrity," Erdoğan stated. He emphasized that common interests between Türkiye and the EU should not be held captive by the narrow agendas of some members.

Addressing the issue of terrorism, Erdoğan highlighted: "Türkiye is the only country, the only NATO ally, that has defeated both PKK and DAESH terrorist organizations on the field."

Erdoğan also called for a stronger and more institutionalized relationship between Türkiye and the European Union, stating: "As a candidate country, we possess this will."

He expressed hope that the upcoming EU summit would result in decisions that would update the Customs Union and expedite visa processes until visa liberalization is achieved. (ILKHA)