Brussels: Trkiye's Ambassador to the EU, Faruk Kaymakci, emphasized that the relationship between Trkiye and the European Union extends beyond migration, focusing on broader cooperation. He made these remarks at the opening of a photo exhibit on Syrian refugees held in front of the European Parliament.

According to Anadolu Agency, the exhibition, titled "One life, one story," highlights the lives of Syrian refugees rebuilding their lives in Trkiye. It was inaugurated by the EU Delegation to Trkiye in front of the European Parliament in Brussels, marking World Refugee Day. The event saw participation from Thomas Hans Ossowski, head of the EU Delegation to Trkiye, EU Deputy Director-General for Enlargement Simon Mordue, and other guests.

During the opening, Ossowski highlighted the importance of recognizing the personal stories behind refugee statistics and commended the EU-Trkiye partnership for providing dignity and opportunity for millions. Kaymakci pointed out Trkiye's commitment to hosting over 2.5 million Syrians, the largest number hosted by any country, and the healthcare, education, and social services extended to them.

Kaymakci stated that the return of Syrians should be voluntary, safe, and dignified following the fall of the Assad regime last December. He also stressed the importance of resuming high-level dialogue between Ankara and Brussels. "Trkiye-EU relations is not limited to migration. We are a candidate country, and we should also invest in other areas in the best interest of both Trkiye and the EU and rest of Europe," he said.

Trkiye applied for EU membership in 1987, with accession talks beginning in 2005. However, these talks have been essentially frozen due to political roadblocks by certain EU members for reasons Ankara claims are unrelated to its suitability for membership.