“It is high time the European Union took concrete steps and approached its relations with Turkey in a strategic way.” This was stated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a joint press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in the Turkish capital Ankara, the Daily Sabah reported. It also became clear at the briefing that Turkey and Spain have already cooperated in building a Spanish assault ship. “The first aircraft carrier was not large, but agreements have already been reached for the construction of a large-scale ship. It is likely that our cooperation with Spain will continue in the construction of a submarine, “Erdogan added. “There are so many things we can do in the defense industry, including armed and unarmed drones,” Erdogan said, without elaborating. For his part, the Spanish leader noted that his country supports Turkey’s accession to the EU and that relations between the two countries are at an “extraordinary” level.
In the agreements signed during the meeting, the two sides described their relationship as a “comprehensive partnership” and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening ties between the two countries’ governments, parliaments, businesses, academia and civil society. The two countries continue their joint meetings at the level of deputy foreign ministers, which will meet at least twice before the major summits. Both sides were adamant that Turkey’s relations with the EU are important, and that the EU will also benefit from Turkey’s accession. Meanwhile, as NATO allies, the two countries also discussed how to improve regional and international peace, setting out their priorities for the upcoming NATO summit, which is expected to take place in Madrid in June 2022.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said his knowledge of the world makes him the most experienced of other leaders, Reuters reported. “I know the world. Among today’s leaders, I am the most experienced. I say this not to brag, but to determine my place among other leaders. Because it is important for my people to know who is who,” Erdogan told a meeting with young people in the northwestern Turkish province of Canakkale, and his speech was broadcast on Twitter.
Erdogan took over the presidency in 2014, after just over a decade as prime minister. He was re-elected president in 2018 after transforming Turkey’s system of government from a parliamentary to a presidential republic.
