ANKARA: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with ambassadors of European Union member states to discuss relations. The meeting, held in the capital city of Ankara, focused on reaffirming mutual respect, shared interests, and values between the two sides, as reported by the EU Delegation to Trkiye on X.

According to Anadolu Agency, the discussions emphasized Trkiye's status as an EU candidate country and the EU's commitment to re-engaging amidst global challenges. The strong foundation of the partnership between Trkiye and the EU was highlighted during the meeting. EU Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski and Trkiye's Deputy Foreign Minister and EU Affairs Director Mehmet Kemal Bozay were also present.

In December, Fidan emphasized the need for the EU to reconsider its approach to Trkiye's membership process, advocating for a merit-based system and enhanced regional collaboration. He underlined the importance of Trkiye's role in Europe's geostrategic framework and urged for closer ties to strengthen the region.

Fidan also participated in an informal EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels last August. Trkiye, a strategic EU partner on climate, migration, security, and the economy, applied for membership in 1987 and began accession talks in 2005. However, progress stalled due to political hurdles imposed by some member states.

Ankara's journey towards European integration dates back to 1959, including the 1963 Ankara Agreement and the establishment of a Customs Union in 1995.