President Erdoğan spoke at a joint press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Rutte
Speaking at a joint press conference with Dutch PM Rutte, President Erdoğan said: “During our talks, we have reviewed the multidimensional cooperation between our countries. We have reaffirmed our determination to further improve our bilateral relations. Our trade and economic relations are growing deeper and stronger.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands held a joint press conference following their bilateral meeting at Vahdettin Mansion in Istanbul.
“WORKS AIMED AT UPDATING THE CUSTOMS UNION SHOULD IMMEDIATELY START”
Stating that the history of bilateral relations between the two countries dates back over 400 years, President Erdoğan said: “During our talks, we have reviewed the multidimensional cooperation between our countries. We have reaffirmed our determination to further improve our bilateral relations. Our trade and economic relations are growing deeper and stronger. The Netherlands is the biggest investing country in Türkiye. Our entrepreneurs, on the other hand, generate jobs for nearly 80 thousand people with their investments worth of 6 billion euros.”
Stressing that works aimed at updating the Customs Union should immediately start, President Erdoğan said he has underscored the importance Türkiye attaches to this issue at the talks, and that Türkiye expects the Netherlands’ support in order for the EU to address the relations with Türkiye from a just and strategic perspective.
“NO TERRORIST ORGANIZATION SHOULD BE TOLERATED”
Noting that they exchanged views on developments in Gaza and Ukraine as well, President Erdoğan continued as follows: “It is of utmost importance that the ongoing massacres in Gaza be terminated and a lasting ceasefire be ensured. Further pressure should be put on Israel for the ceasefire and the uninterrupted delivery of the humanitarian aid to Gaza. We have underscored our expectation in order for necessary steps to be taken for ceasefire, peace and stability. The fight against terror has been one of the most important topics of our talks. The high prices Türkiye has paid in the fight against the separatist terror are plain as day. Our thousands of citizens, including children, women, civilians and our security forces, have been the victims of PKK’s attacks. I pointed out that within the spirit of alliance, no terrorist organization, PKK and its extensions in particular, should be tolerated.”
Drawing attention to the NATO Summit to be held in Washington in July, President Erdoğan stated that it is primarily the duty of the NATO Secretary-General to ensure solidarity within the alliance and coordination among the allies, and that he shared what features they expect to see in the new NATO Secretary-General with Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands, who is a candidate for this position.
“Intensive and strong efforts must be exerted, just as Mr. Stoltenberg has been doing, in order for the sanctions, limitations and obstacles among the allies in the area of defense industry to be lifted,” President Erdoğan added.
