Ankara, 17 December 2024
Press statement by President Ursula von der Leyen with the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
The Syrian people deserve a peaceful transition. One that preserves their country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. One that upholds state institutions. And one that reflects the aspirations of the Syrian people in all their diversity. So, it means that national unity must be respected, and minorities must be protected. This is aligned with the principles agreed by the Foreign Ministers meeting in Aqaba.
Europe is ready to do its part to support Syria at this critical juncture. Allow me to mention some points where the European Union will be active right away. Our top diplomat returns to Damascus. We already have a European presence in Damascus through our humanitarian teams. Indeed, we have always maintained our presence in Syria to support those in need while respecting the principles of no contact, no cooperation, no funding to the Assad regime. But now we have to step up and continue our direct engagement with HTS and other factions. We will enhance our engagement in early recovery, including basic services, like electricity and water, and infrastructure. We have increased our humanitarian aid to more than EUR 160 million for this year alone. And we have launched a humanitarian air bridge, and the first goods are expected to arrive this week.
Europe is already Syria’s biggest donor. Since 2011, our annual Syria conferences have mobilised over EUR 33 billion. We must continue this support, with a new focus on reconstruction, this would be a step-by-step approach. And we would need to start a discussion on sanctions’ relief. But this can only happen if real progress on a peaceful transition is seen on the ground. Indeed, the fall of the Assad regime gives hope to the Syrian people. The hope of returning to their homes and rebuilding their lives. It is the most natural feeling there is. However, the lack of predictability demands utmost caution. Therefore, one thing is very clear: All returns must be voluntary, safe, and dignified. We are working with UNHCR to make sure that the necessary conditions are met.
President Erdoğan,
Türkiye has an essential role to play in stabilising the region. Together, we must also remain vigilant against terrorism. The risk of a Daesh resurgence, particularly in eastern Syria, is real. We cannot let this happen. Türkiye’s legitimate security concerns must be addressed. At the same time, it is important to allow all Syrians, including all minorities, to be safe.
President Erdoğan,
Today, we also discussed the relationship between Türkiye and the European Union. Our relationship is as rich as it is complex. But one thing is clear: it is moving forward. For good reasons, one of my first travels at the beginning of my second mandate brings me here to Ankara.
Our economic relationship is stronger than ever. The numbers speak for themselves. Trade between us hit a record high of EUR 206 billion last year. The European Union is Türkiye’s largest trade and investment partner. Our intention is to strengthen this further. We launched a new High-Level Dialogue on Trade last June. And we will now start a high-level dialogue on the economy, and we are also exploring opportunities for renewed engagement with the European Investment Bank in Türkiye. I also look forward to resuming discussions on a modernised Customs Union. We both have a lot to gain here. However, as we discussed, progress will require stronger efforts. Specifically, we need to address a number of trade barriers. I asked my Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to work on this immediately together with you. We also discussed the need to prevent the circumvention of our sanctions against Russia. And of course it is also important to re-establish talks with Cyprus, within the UN framework.
I want to acknowledge that Türkiye has consistently shouldered the responsibility of hosting millions of Syrian refugees over the years. And we have stood by you in this effort. Since 2011, the EU has provided nearly EUR 10 billion to support refugees and the hosting efforts of local communities. I am very pleased to announce today, that an additional EUR 1 billion for 2024 is on its way. This will support, among others, healthcare and education of refugees in Türkiye. It will continue to contribute to migration and border management, including voluntary returns of Syrian refugees. And as things evolve on the ground, we can adapt this EUR 1 billion to the new needs that might occur in Syria.
Türkiye continues to be a key partner in managing migration along the Eastern Mediterranean route. It is crucial that we work together on our shared priorities, and deepen our cooperation on border management, the fight against migrant smuggling, and on visas.
There is a lot of work ahead of us and I look forward to continuing our good cooperation, both in supporting a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition and in deepening the relationship between Türkiye – as a candidate country –, and the European Union. Together, we can achieve a lot for our people, for the region, and beyond.
Thank you.
Source – EU Commission
Statement of President President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: “There is no place for DAESH or PKK in the future of our region”
Ankara, 17 December 2024
Holding a joint press conference with EU Commission President von der Leyen, President Erdoğan drew attention to the fight against DAESH and PKK, and said: “Türkiye is the only country, the only NATO ally that has defeated both of the terrorist organizations on the ground. We will by no means allow these groups to thrive. There is no place for DAESH or PKK and its extensions in the future of our region.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen held a joint press conference following their bilateral meeting at the Presidential Complex.
Underscoring that the latest developments have underlined Türkiye’s position as a key country, President Erdoğan noted that the main item on the agenda of their meeting has been the common steps to be taken to revive the relations between Türkiye and the European Union, and said: “We can improve our cooperation through win-win formula and on the basis of mutual respect. In this regard, I am pleased to witness Ms. President attaching importance to close cooperation and dialogue. We have recently spoken on the phone by Ms. von der Leyen. During that call, we have underscored the importance Türkiye and the EU attach to Syria’s stability and security. We have discussed in detail the latest developments in Syria during our meeting today. I have observed that we are on the same page in terms of the establishment of a participatory administration, regarding the preservation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in particular.”
“Syria must swiftly stand on its own feet”
Pointing out that the collapsed BAAS regime has left behind a great wreckage after a 61-year-long oppression and darkness period, President Erdoğan stressed that it is impossible for the Syrian people to get through such a heavy burden on their own, and added: “Syria must swiftly stand on its own feet with the strong support of its neighbors, friendly and brotherly countries as well as the EU and international organizations. I hereby would like to make it clear that unfortunately the international community had not, and had not been able to provide sufficient support to the Syrian people while they had been suffering a massacre for 13 years. It is now possible to make up for it. And the path to achieving this goes through supporting the efforts to rebuild and redevelop Syria. With this understanding, we reopened our Embassy in Damascus on Saturday after a 12.5-year-long hiatus.”
Stating that Türkiye will continue to stand with its Syrian brothers and sisters, President Erdoğan went on to say: “Obviously, the country should be prevented from being a hotbed of terror. The fight against both DAESH as well as PKK and its extensions has been one of the main issues we have discussed during our meeting. Türkiye is the only country, the only NATO ally that has defeated both of the terrorist organizations on the ground. We will by no means allow these groups to thrive. There is no place for DAESH or PKK and its extensions in the future of our region.”
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza has further worsened”
President Erdoğan continued as follows: “During our meeting, I have told Ms. President that it is now time to put an end to Israel’s oppression in Gaza and its aggression in the region. With the coming of the winter, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has further worsened. Yesterday, yet another nefarious massacre, during which a school was targeted, was carried out.”
Underscoring that nearly all of the 50 thousand Palestinians, who have lost their lives in the Israeli attacks, have been children, women and the elderly, President Erdoğan said: “During our meeting with Ms. President, I have drawn attention to the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and establishing a permanent ceasefire. I have stressed that our European friends should put pressure on the Netanyahu government. I have also shared our assessments and opinions about the establishment of a just and stable ceasefire in Ukraine without any delay.”
Pointing out that Türkiye and the EU need a stronger and more institutionalized relation than ever before, President Erdoğan stated: “We, as a candidate country, have such a will. And I believe that the European Commission will display the necessary will with Ms. von der Leyen. I wish that decisions aimed at lifting all the limitations in relations, reviving suspended high-level dialogues, meeting our expectations about the update of the Customs Union and speeding up visa processes until visa liberalization is ensured will be taken at the EU summit to be held two days later. On this occasion, I hope that we will elevate our relations to the level they should be by organizing the Türkiye-European Union Summit as soon as possible.”
Source – Presidency of Türkiye
Statement by President von der Leyen following her meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, in Amman
Amman, 16 December 2024
I came to Amman today to meet King Abdullah II, following the Aqaba meetings on Syria. I expressed Europe’s full support for Jordan in these uncertain times. The EU will work closely with Jordan and our partners to ensure a political transition in Syria, in line with the principles laid down in UNSC Resolution 2254.
This will be a step for step approach. We will step up and deliver humanitarian aid through Jordan and support early recovery of basic services and infrastructure. I am looking forward to welcoming King Abdullah II in Brussels in early 2025. Together, we will launch a strengthened Strategic Partnership between the EU and Jordan.
Source – EU Commission