Ankara: Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker on Monday lauded the efforts of Trkiye and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in working towards resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Stressing the importance of putting an end to the ongoing war, Stocker expressed Austria's support for Trkiye's initiatives in this regard.

According to Anadolu Agency, during a joint news conference with Erdogan in Ankara, Stocker acknowledged Trkiye's influential role in the Middle East, referring to it as 'a key country.' He emphasized that Trkiye's voice carries significant weight in the region and advocated for 'diplomacy and dialogue' as the sole means to break the cycle of violence, particularly in the Middle East. The chancellor also pointed out the mutual stance of both nations in ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open for navigation.

On the economic front, Stocker highlighted the robust economic ties between Austria and Trkiye. He noted that despite challenging geopolitical conditions, Austrian investment in Trkiye continues to be substantial, reflecting the strong and historic relationship between the two countries. He acknowledged the significant contribution of the Turkish community in Austria, which consists of over 300,000 individuals, to the nation's economy, culture, and society, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and integration.

Stocker further emphasized the importance of strengthening economic cooperation, particularly through cross-border projects in the railway sector, to harness the economic potential of both nations.

Regarding security and migration, Stocker described Trkiye as a pivotal partner for Austria and the EU. He outlined the joint efforts in addressing irregular migration, human trafficking, and organized crime, and praised Trkiye's longstanding commitment to hosting Syrian refugees. While acknowledging progress, Stocker stressed the need for continued collaboration to prevent a new migration crisis and avoid past EU mistakes.