European Commission Spokesperson Peter Stano stated that the participation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels tomorrow will provide an “opportunity” for the EU Foreign Ministers to address EU-Turkish relations.
According to a report in the Alithia newspaper titled “First Opportunity for Foreign Ministers to Discuss with Fidan – Stano: Cyprus Issue a Significant Part of EU-Turkish Matters,” Stano responded to a question from the Cyprus News Agency (KIPA) by saying that relations with Cyprus are an important part of EU-Turkey relations.
Stano noted that EU discussions with Turkey involve “a range of issues where interests either conflict or overlap.” He emphasized that any discussions related to the Cyprus issue will be based on EU positions.
Stano also mentioned that they are eager to hear from Turkish counterparts about how they plan to find constructive solutions regarding broader EU-Turkey relations.
Peter Stano reiterated that the meeting will also be an opportunity for EU member state foreign ministers to discuss important issues with Fidan.
He argued that these issues encompass EU-Turkey relations, with a significant portion of the EU-Turkish bloc naturally relating to the Cyprus issue and how Cyprus is treated by Turkey. Stano reiterated that the discussion would involve regional and global geopolitical cooperation with Turkey, as well as “a range of issues where interests conflict or overlap.”
Stano pointed out that the meeting is an informal one to see where they and Turkey stand and how they want to approach topics of mutual interest, but stressed that Cyprus is a very important issue, though there is nothing new to say about it.
He added that the EU’s stance is clearly articulated, and the meeting will be based on elements that explicitly define EU policies and positions. Stano emphasized that the Cyprus issue constitutes a significant part of the relationship and cooperation with Turkey.
Stano expressed their strong desire to hear from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan about how they plan to progress in finding constructive solutions.
When asked if the Turkish side had confirmed Fidan’s participation in the informal meeting, Stano stated that the letter had been sent, and to their understanding, the invitation had been accepted.
Stano also clarified in response to reporters that this is not a “Gymnich” meeting but a simple informal meeting, and since it is informal, no decisions or outcomes are expected.
The news was covered in Fileleftheros with the headline “Cyprus Issue Part of EU-Turkish Agenda – Cyprus Part of EU-Turkish Matters – Stano: EU Foreign Ministers Will Have First Opportunity to Discuss with Fidan”; and in Haravgi with the headline “Cyprus Issue Important in Statements, What Will Happen Practically? Europeans Hope for Constructive Solutions from Ankara – EU’s Stance Clear.”
