February 18, 2025

Athens News

News in English from Greece

Ursula von der Leyen hands over Syria to Turkey: “Ankara is a key factor in the region”


The European Commission recognizes Turkey's leading role in Syria ahead of next week's meeting in Ankara between the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“Türkiye is one of the key factors in the region” – a commission representative said today Paola Pinioanswering a question about von der Leyen's trip to Ankara. “Von der Leyen’s visit was planned after communication with President Erdogan”said P. Pinio, noting that Topics of discussion will be the situation in Syria and the consequences of events in this country for the wider region.

Following a telephone conversation two days ago, the chairman of the commission and President Erdoğan decided to meet in person to conduct “deeper discussion on these issues“, added P. Pinio, however she avoided providing additional details.

Regarding the date of von der Leyen's visit to Ankara, the commission representative noted that it will take place early next week, but the exact day has not yet been determined.

When asked whether the President of the Commission will be accompanied by the President of the European Council Antonio Costoi and/or the High Representative EU Kayei Callasthe representative replied that nothing like this is planned yet. P. Pinio did not rule out the possibility that the chairman of the commission could make other trips to the region, however nothing specific is planned yet.

Let us recall that two days ago the representative of the commission on foreign policy issues Al Anwar stressed that “Türkiye will be a key factor in ensuring stability in Syria and political transition without exception” He also noted that the EU “calls on all external players to respect sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria

He concluded by adding that it is necessary to take into account “legitimate concerns» Turkey on security issues in the region, while allowing all Syrians, including Kurds, enjoy security.

As for Israel's actions in Syria, Brussels prefers not to talk about this topic…



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