Erdoğan speaks with von der Leyen: Türkiye-EU ties and Cyprus discussed
Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during which Türkiye-European Union relations, regional tensions and the Cyprus issue were discussed.
Erdoğan stressed the need to update the Customs Union and said recent regional tensions had once again highlighted the strategic importance of relations between Türkiye and the European Union.
Von der Leyen described Türkiye as “a key partner in a turbulent region” and reiterated the European Union’s support for the UN-led Cyprus process.
According to a statement released by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed Türkiye-European Union relations along with regional and global developments.
During the conversation, Erdoğan said Türkiye was making efforts to preserve the ceasefire and secure peace in the region, while stressing that the Strait of Hormuz should be reopened as soon as possible.
He also accused Israel of seeking to prolong conflicts in the region and continuing to violate international law, including acts of piracy, emphasising the need to increase international pressure on Israel.
Erdoğan stated that recent regional tensions had once again demonstrated the strategic importance of Türkiye-European Union relations, adding that Türkiye’s inclusion in Europe’s security initiatives would be beneficial.
He also underlined the need to update the Customs Union and expand cooperation in all fields.
Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen described her conversation with Erdoğan as “very good” in a post shared on X, stating that Türkiye was a key partner in a turbulent region.
She said both sides shared common interests in keeping trade routes open, ensuring energy flows and maintaining stable supply chains, while also noting that the European Union appreciated Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts regarding the Iran conflict.
Von der Leyen added that the Eastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus issue were also discussed during the conversation and reiterated that the European Union was ready to support the UN-led process at every stage.
