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MEP Ilhan Kyuchuyk took part in an official delegation of the European Parliament to Ankara

“I am optimistic about the future relationship between the European Union and the Republic of Turkey, even though we are currently in a fragile stage of its development.” This was stated by MRF/Renew Europe MEP Ilhan Kyuchuyk, who took part in an official delegation of the European Parliament visiting the Republic of Turkey. This was the first official mission of MEPs to the country since the start of the new term, in which the Foreign Affairs Committee Chair – David McAllister and the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee Chair Sergey Lagodinski took part.

 “The Republic of Turkey is a strategic partner of Europe and what has been achieved over the past decades should be loverlooked. On the contrary, we need a new approach in our cooperation that is based on an honest relationship and open and transparent dialogue. That includes working in the economic, humanitarian and cultural area, but also deepening the customs union and visa liberalization for Turkish citizens”, said during the visit Kyuchyuk, who is the first Vice-chair of the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee.

The visit was intended to familiarize MEPs with the political, economic and social situation in the country and the region and included meetings with Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, political party leaders, mayors, academics, business and civil society representatives and journalists. During their visit to Turkey, MEPs visited Istanbul, Ankara and Mardin and had the opportunity to get acquainted with EU-funded projects on the ground.