Mitsotakis: the EU can help Turkey with the problem of immigrants

Speaking to the press after the EU Leaders’ Summit held in Brussels and answering questions from journalists, Miçotakis stated that the most important element in solving the problem of irregular migration is the fight against migrant smugglers.

Mitsotakis stated that the reason why fewer ships carrying irregular migrants have recently arrived in Greece is the decrease in the number of ships leaving Turkey, arguing that cooperation should be undertaken with North African countries such as Tunisia and Libya. to reduce the number. of ships leaving Turkey.

TO MEET ERDOGAN

Noting that he will meet President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Vilnius as part of the NATO Summit, Miçotakis stated that they hope to put the framework of Turkey-EU relations on a new footing.

Mitsotakis said he wanted to see the glass half full, noting that there has been better cooperation with Turkish authorities to prevent ships carrying irregular migrants from setting sail.

“EU CAN GIVE MORE EUROS TO SUPPORT TURKEY”

Prime Minister Mitsotakis said: “I have said many times that Turkey should be an ally in the fight against the refugee problem. On the other hand, the EU has given many millions of euros to support Turkey and could possibly give more. It could be an additional element for the future support to Turkey in the restructuring of the multiannual budget of the EU”. saying.

Miçotakis pointed out that in addition to his meeting with President Erdoğan, there could be meetings between the ministers of Turkey and Greece, saying: “There were also contacts in the past. It is good that these contacts are frequent. We can show that Turkey is a good ally in the fight (with the problem of immigrants). Of course, if he wants.” he said.

A STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT SCHOLZ OF GERMANY

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made assessments after the two-day EU leaders’ summit in Brussels. Sharing the information that the EU’s relations with Turkey were also discussed at the summit, Scholz said: “Here, we want to seize the opportunities for new and good cooperation after the elections in Turkey.” saying.

Stating that this was decided at the summit, Scholz stated that they asked the EU Commission and the High Representative together to make suggestions for further development of mutual relations.

Stating that Cyprus and Greece were also discussed at the summit, Scholz noted that they hoped to give new impetus to the issue of Cyprus in particular.

Saying they discussed the Russia-Ukraine war, immigration, relations with China and Europe’s economic dominance with EU leaders, Scholz said he met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg before the summit.

Stating that the EU and NATO emerged stronger from the situation in the past 16 months, Scholz said: “Once again a strong signal of unity was given at the EU Leaders Summit. Especially for the NATO summit in Vilnius two weeks later.” he used the phrase.

Underlining that European defense capabilities must be consolidated, the performance of the European defense industry must be increased and production accelerated, Scholz noted the importance of the rapid approval of the law on the expansion of ammunition production in this sense.

Scholz reiterated that they will continue to support Ukraine as long as it is necessary, not only with ammunition, but also with humanitarian, financial and other military means.

Noting that EU interior ministers agreed on the common asylum policy earlier this month on migration, Scholz said this shows that the EU also has the capacity to act on difficult issues. “Of course, such things never happen without compromise,” Scholz said. saying.

Emphasizing that it is important to finalize the asylum issue by negotiating in the European Parliament, Scholz said he believes that EU countries will implement an asylum policy that will be binding on everyone.

Stating that the EU and Germany need migration, Scholz pointed out that irregular migration must be limited and that proposals for regular migration must be put forward at the same time. (AA)