Türkiye and EU Agree on Preserving Syria’s Sovereignty, Inclusive Governance

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Tuesday that Türkiye and the European Union share a common stance on safeguarding Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, with an emphasis on establishing inclusive governance in the post-Assad era, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

Speaking at a joint news conference with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Ankara, Erdogan emphasized the importance of stronger, institutionalized relations with the EU. He urged that Türkiye-EU ties should not be “held hostage to narrow agendas” of certain member states.

Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s commitment as an EU candidate country and called for progress on two priorities: updating the Customs Union and accelerating visa processes for Turkish citizens.

On counterterrorism, Erdogan highlighted Türkiye's role as the only NATO member to have defeated PKK and Daesh/ISIS terrorists on the ground.