EU, Türkiye leaders discuss regional issues at Ankara meeting

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed EU-Türkiye relations and key regional developments during a trilateral working dinner in Ankara, EC spokesperson Olof Gill said, Report informs.

Speaking at a press briefing in Brussels, the spokesperson said the talks covered cooperation on defense, migration and mobility, trade, and industrial policy.

Gill said the leaders also discussed geopolitical issues, including the situation in Cyprus, the war in Ukraine, developments in the South Caucasus, and the Middle East. He did not provide further details on the discussions.

Commenting on Cyprus, Gill reiterated the EU's position that the renewed momentum in the UN-led process should be used to advance efforts toward a settlement. He declined to comment on Erdoğan's response, saying such questions should be directed to the Turkish side.

Following the meeting, Costa described the EU and Türkiye as strategic partners committed to strengthening their relationship. He said the partnership has become even more important amid growing global instability, adding that Türkiye remains a key partner in addressing crises in the Middle East and supporting efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Gill also commented on engraved pistols presented by Erdoğan to participants at the NATO summit. He said von der Leyen thanked the Turkish president for the gesture, adding that the firearm will be transported securely, placed in storage, deactivated, and later donated to a military museum.