EP Foreign Affairs Chairman McAllister calls for intensification of EU-Turkey dialogue

“Turkey is an accession candidate and a key strategic partner for the EU, despite the current difficulties in our relations,” said David McAllister, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, during the EP Foreign Affairs Committee visit to Ankara and Mardin, this week.
The EP Chairman stressed that cooperation needs to be enhanced, as both sides are facing several common challenges, such as migration, terrorism and regional instability. To jointly confront them, both partners need to re-establish trust and improve communication.
“We may not always share the same views, but we must continue talking to each other,” he added.
The delegation’s visit aimed at evaluating the situation in terms of rule of law, human rights and freedom of expression in the country. McAllister emphasised that improving the rule of law and encouraging reforms in the country is a prerequisite for the accession talks to get back on track.
“Turkey must take concrete steps to improve the rule of law and ensure the independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press and respect for human rights. It should also work towards good neighborly relations with Cyprus. These issues are at the heart of the accession process,” the EP Chairman said.
During their visit, the eight MEPs met with several Turkish officials, as well as with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkey, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.