Spain in favor of constructive EU-Turkey dialogue

MADRID

Spain is in favor of a constructive dialogue between the EU and Turkey, the Spanish prime minister said on Thursday.

“We are in favor of constructive dialogue with Turkey, which is a strategic partner for both NATO and EU,” Pedro Sanchez said in a doorstep statement ahead of the EU leaders meeting in Brussels.

Sanchez said the EU will also discuss a structural strategy for its southern neighbors (North African countries) and steps to be taken for strengthening multilateralism.

EU leaders gathered in Brussels on Thursday for two days of discussions on the EU budget and COVID-19 as well as transatlantic ties and relations with Turkey.

Brexit is not on the official agenda of the meeting, but European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to brief leaders on the status of the talks.

*Writing by Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak

MADRID

Spain is in favor of a constructive dialogue between the EU and Turkey, the Spanish prime minister said on Thursday.

“We are in favor of constructive dialogue with Turkey, which is a strategic partner for both NATO and EU,” Pedro Sanchez said in a doorstep statement ahead of the EU leaders meeting in Brussels.

Sanchez said the EU will also discuss a structural strategy for its southern neighbors (North African countries) and steps to be taken for strengthening multilateralism.

EU leaders gathered in Brussels on Thursday for two days of discussions on the EU budget and COVID-19 as well as transatlantic ties and relations with Turkey.

Brexit is not on the official agenda of the meeting, but European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to brief leaders on the status of the talks.

*Writing by Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak