According to Anadolu Agency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday evening.
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In the call, Erdogan stressed that after Turkey’s efforts to build confidence with the European Union, it is now the continent’s turn to take positive steps in its relations with Ankara.
According to Daily Sabah, the Communications and Information Office of the Turkish Presidential Administration issued a statement about the phone conversation, saying that the two sides discussed steps to improve bilateral relations as well as regional issues.
According to the statement, Turkish President Told Von der Leyen that Ankara had taken several steps that could persuade Brussels to start a positive agenda with the country.
Erdogan also stressed the need to resume talks to update customs laws as soon as possible, without preconditions.
According to the Daily Sabah, Erdogan said that liberalizing visas for Turkish citizens to EU member states is another step that the Turkish people want to be lifted by Brussels.
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About a month and a half ago, Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel met Erdogan during a visit to Turkey to discuss bilateral issues, including de-escalation in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as Turkey’s full membership in the European Union.
In recent months, Turkish drilling in the eastern Mediterranean has heightened tensions between the country and European nations.
Greece and Cyprus, along with some European countries, say Turkey’s actions are illegal and tenseful, and have warned Ankara of the consequences.
However, Turkey has stated that it’s only securing its rights in the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea.
