The key facts

  • Speaker of the Turkish Parliament Numan Kurtulmus called for strengthening regional cooperation in energy, transport and defense
  • Turkey was named a strategic partner of the Three Seas Initiative, which unites 13 EU countries and a number of partners outside the union
  • On Ukraine, Kurtulmus reiterated support for territorial integrity and called for the earliest resumption of negotiations

Statement in Ankara

Speaker of the Turkish Parliament Numan Kurtulmus on Thursday called for closer regional cooperation in energy security, transport and defense, emphasizing the country's strategic position between Europe and Asia. The statement was made at a joint press conference with Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandrokovic in Ankara, Anadolu reports.

Middle Corridor and the Three Seas Initiative

Kurtulmus said that Turkey remains a strategic partner of the Three Seas Initiative — a platform uniting 13 EU member states, including Croatia, as well as a number of partners outside the union, linking the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Seas. According to him, cooperation with Croatia and other countries of the region could strengthen East–West ties, in particular through the Middle Corridor, and contribute to energy supply security. He also noted opportunities for bilateral cooperation in defense, energy, culture and tourism.

Ukraine and the Balkans

Touching on the Russia-Ukraine war, Kurtulmus reiterated Turkey's position in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for the earliest possible resumption of negotiations toward a just settlement acceptable to both sides. He also stressed the importance of preserving peace, security and stability in the Balkans.