Turkey and the European Union held a high-level economic meeting after 6 years. Minister Şimşek stated that a good dialogue in the economy has begun with the European Union. Şimşek also noted that issues such as the Customs Union and visa liberalization were discussed. Following the Turkey-EU High-Level Economic Dialogue Meeting held in Brussels, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek made evaluations. Pointing out that the first meeting after a 6-year hiatus took place within the scope of the Turkey-EU High-Level Economic Dialogue, Şimşek said, “This is a very important and positive step in terms of improving Turkey-EU relations.” he said.
REINVIGORATING RELATIONS ON THE AGENDA
Minister Şimşek highlighted that the dialogue meeting with high-level EU officials went positively, stating, “It went in a very constructive atmosphere. There were very productive meetings. We discussed issues like the global challenges faced by both Turkey and Europe. We had the opportunity to talk about Turkey’s reform efforts and disinflation efforts.” He also emphasized that the EU provided a perspective on its new policies, saying, “There are significant changes happening in the world. Both the EU and Turkey are affected by these developments. We discussed how we can limit the effects of these developments by working together, and how we can cooperate in the interest of both the EU and Turkey, as well as cooperation in third countries. We brought up revitalizing Turkey-EU relations.”
VISA LIBERALIZATION WAS ALSO DISCUSSED
Şimşek stated that they had the opportunity to discuss and talk about many issues, especially the updating of the Customs Union and visa liberalization, first hand with EU Commission members Valdis Dombrovskis and Marta Kos. Pointing out the attendance of senior officials from European-based international financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the meetings, Şimşek emphasized that they discussed investments in Turkey and financial opportunities here.
“ECONOMIC DIALOGUE HAS STARTED WELL”
Minister Şimşek expressed that they also held a high-level dialogue meeting for business circles and then had one-on-one meetings with EU officials, stating, “The atmosphere was very constructive. I can say that the economic dialogue has started well. Hopefully, this dialogue will pave the way for other dialogues. It will strengthen dialogues in transportation, energy, and political fields, or enable them to progress.” Şimşek announced the completion of the fourth meeting within the scope of Turkey-EU High-Level Economic Dialogue and stated that they decided the fifth meeting would be held in Turkey next year.