Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico held a joint press conference at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, highlighting their discussions on deepening bilateral ties, regional stability, and global challenges.

Erdoğan announced the elevation of Türkiye-Slovakia relations to the level of a strategic partnership through a joint declaration signed during the meeting. He emphasized, “Various documents have been signed to foster cooperation between our ministries and committees in military, defense industry, and cultural sectors. These agreements will strengthen our collaboration and expand our bilateral ties.”

The President highlighted the growth in trade relations between Türkiye and Slovakia, noting that trade volume had tripled over recent years, reaching $3 billion. Erdoğan expressed optimism about surpassing the $5 billion target through the work of the Joint Committee on Economy and Trade, which will hold its first meeting this year.

Erdoğan underscored the significance of defense industry collaboration between the two NATO allies. “We have made remarkable progress in defense industry projects. Strengthening cooperation with Slovakia in this field is a key topic in our discussions,” he stated.

The leaders also discussed Türkiye's European Union accession process. Erdoğan expressed confidence in Slovakia’s support for Türkiye’s full membership. The conversation included the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Erdoğan emphasizing the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace. “Slovakia’s unique position as a nation in contact with both Russia and Ukraine allows for constructive dialogue,” he said.

Erdoğan also addressed the situation in Syria, highlighting the need to lift international restrictions from the era of the former regime to aid reconstruction efforts. He noted Slovakia’s potential role in contributing to these efforts both bilaterally and within the EU framework.

Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s stance on the Palestinian issue, expressing satisfaction with the recent ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. He called for its full implementation, including uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza. “As Türkiye, we will continue to follow the process until an independent and sovereign State of Palestine is established with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders,” he said.

In response to questions about the Russia-Ukraine war, Erdoğan highlighted ongoing challenges with the grain corridor initiative, noting limited progress in meeting Africa’s grain needs due to disputes between involved parties. On natural gas supplies, he confirmed discussions with Slovakian officials and outlined plans for further dialogue with Russian and Ukrainian leaders.

When asked about the inauguration of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s new term, Erdoğan expressed hope for maintaining the strong rapport established during Trump’s previous presidency. He voiced Türkiye’s willingness to contribute to resolving the Russia-Ukraine war and emphasized the importance of global peace over conflict. “Everything is achieved through peace; nothing comes from war,” Erdoğan concluded.

The meeting marked a step forward in Türkiye-Slovakia relations, signaling a strengthened partnership and shared commitment to addressing pressing regional and global issues. (ILKHA)